Charlotte Hornets: How will the Charlotte Hornets match up against the Boston Celtics?
Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist v. Jae Crowder
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist only averaged 9.2 points and 7 rebounds per game. Those numbers are considerably low, and hopefully he returns to form next season.
While Crowder averaged 13.9 points and 5.8 rebounds during the regular season, and shot almost 40 percent from the 3-point line.
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Although the two forwards match up on paper with regards to their physical stature, Crowder is more of a physical player, and has no problem with close to foul-level body blows, inside the paint.
Crowder can also have a few games where he’s on fire from behind the arc. Kidd-Gilchrist also is going to have to learn to defend those perimeter shots.
Small Forward Advantage: Crowder
Power Forward: Marvin Williams v. Marcus Morris
Williams averaged 11.2 points and 6.2 rebounds last season and shot 35 percent from deep. Hopefully, he has a few hot games next season, similar to his 2016-17 season, where he had five 3-point shots.
The Celtics acquired Morris during the offseason, trading Avery Bradley in exchange to the Pistons. On the Pistons, Morris averaged 14 points and 4.6 rebounds last season, shooting 33 percent from the 3-point line.
Morris also has to quickly integrate himself into the Celtics’ style of play. And on the boards, Williams is a better player defensively than Morris. But Morris is another very physical player, both on and off the ball.
However, if the Hornets can convert those 50-50 balls and capitalize off of Williams’ rebounds, Williams may have a slight advantage.
Power Forward Advantage: Williams