LaMelo Ball and Hornets want revenge against Boston

CHARLOTTE: Out – Mark Williams (L. Foot), DaQuan Jeffries (R. Hand), Still open – Brandon Miller (L. Glutes), Nick Richards (R. Shoulder pain), Josh Green (L. Achilles tendon pain)

BOSTON: OUT – Kristaps Porzingis (foot), Still open – Al Horford (rest)

The Hornets are coming off a tough loss to the Celtics on Friday night, but have a chance to win the two teams' second game. The Hornets' loss caused controversy as the Celtics shot 23 free throws in the fourth quarter and the Hornets shot three free throws.

One of the few problems for LaMelo Ball this season has been his foul problems and his turnover problem. Ball was fouled in Friday night's game against the Celtics, making it two of the five games so far in which he has been fouled. Hornets will need Ball to take better care of the rock and stay out of foul trouble if they want to have a chance of defeating the defending champions.

The Hornets have continued their excellent shooting this season, recording their third game with 19 three-pointers made or more on Friday night. Ball was a big factor in those numbers as he currently ranks third in the NBA with 24 three-pointers made.

Tre Mann continued his exceptional play and scored another 20-point game against Boston. Mann has been one of the biggest surprises in the NBA and currently appears to be a strong runner for Sixth Man of the Year honors. He is currently second on the team with an average of 21 points per game.

One of the most important things to consider is the injury report, as there are many unknowns regarding the status of Josh Green, Brandon Miller and Nick Richards. Green is dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and the Hornets are playing it safe, meaning he could miss back-to-back games. Miller could have played Friday, but it appeared the Hornets wanted him to play on the second night of the game. Richards suffered a shoulder injury in the second quarter last night and did not return, so his status is in question.

Boston currently leads the NBA in points per game with a whopping 125.5 points per game. If the Hornets want to have a chance at defeating the Celtics, they need to limit Boston's chances and corner threes. Boston also leads the NBA in making three-pointers with 19.7 per game, but the Hornets are third in the NBA with 17.6.

Jayson Tatum has had his fun with the Hornets over the years and it's time for Charlotte to put an end to it in today's matchup. Tatum has averaged 33.7 points, 7.6 rebounds and 4.6 assists while shooting over 51% from the field in his last 10 games against the team. However, one of the biggest challenges in guarding Tatum is the inability to double him since they have so many other capable shooters and offensive weapons.

With that in mind, the Hornets need to lock down Miles Bridges on both sides of the ball and put together a complete game. Bridges has had a very difficult start to the season as it appears he has been trying to find his role.

He is averaging a shockingly low 14.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists on low shooting percentages of 37.7% from the field and under 24% from three. Bridges was also eliminated from Friday's contest, which should give him more motivation to play an impactful game. The Hornets will need Bridges to contain Tatum while also having greater production game to have a chance at an upset against a great Boston team.

MORE STORIES FROM HORNETS ON SI

Growing concern? Mark Williams doesn't appear to be returning to the Hornets any time soon