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In a matchup that's been extremely one-sided recently, the Atlanta Hawks will be on the road on Wednesday night against the Charlotte Hornets.
Once one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, the Hornets have struggled recently to limit opposing offenses in their season-worst skid.
That skid has reached seven games, including ugly losses against the Suns and Nuggets. The losing streak has dropped Charlotte from well inside playoff positioning in the East to 11th in the conference. During the losing streak, the Hornets have allowed a staggering 107 points a game. Compare that to just 98.9 points allowed per game before the skid began, and you get a worrisome problem for what was considered Charlotte's strength.
Part of that problem can be credited to the absence of two of Charlotte's best players, Al Jefferson and Nicolas Batum. Jefferson has played only two games since the beginning of December and will miss Wednesday night's contest. Batum, who missed four games with a toe injury, returned to action in the Hornets' loss to Denver and is expected to play against Atlanta.
The Hawks could be without one of their own best defensive players with Thabo Sefolosha. Sefolosha sat out against the Bulls and is questionable to play against the Hornets due to a right wrist injury. Kyle Korver is expected to play despite his ankle injury. Korver finally got back on track on Saturday against Chicago with 13 points on 5-8 shooting.
Atlanta will be looking to extend on its seven-game winning streak against the Hornets. The two teams met in back-to-back games early in the season with the Hawks winning the first game, 97-94, and the second matchup, 94-92. A win on Wednesday night would give the Hawks 16 wins in their last 19 games against Charlotte.
Stay tuned to Peachtree Hoops for more coverage throughout the day.
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Wednesday, January 13, 7 p.m. ET
Location: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: Fox Sports Southeast, NBA League Pass
Radio: 92.9 "The Game" FM