Milwaukee Bucks: 3 biggest trap games left in 2018
3. Nov. 26 — Milwaukee Bucks @ Charlotte Hornets
Why the Bucks might not take the Hornets seriously:
The Charlotte Hornets are a wildly inconsistent team that has trouble winning multiple games in a row. They have spent a majority of their season below .500 in spite of the fact that Kemba Walker is currently leading the NBA in scoring. Outside of Kemba, Charlotte is severely lacking. The Hornets are likely looking at a third straight season missing the playoffs.
Strength of opponent: The 8-seeded Charlotte Hornets are currently 8-8
Days rest going into game: Milwaukee — 1, Charlotte — 0
Location of game: Charlotte
Travel:
- The Bucks will travel 850 miles from Milwaukee to Charlotte
- The Hornets will travel 250 miles from Atlanta to Charlotte
Context and why the Hornets have a chance:
While Milwaukee has an extra day of rest over Charlotte, it will be each team’s third game in four nights. Although the Bucks get an off day in between, their additional 600 miles of travel is not ideal. Charlotte will also be returning home from a short two-game road trip, where it performs much better as opposed to away games.
At home the Hornets are 5-3 and have a +10.2 point differential, compared to -2.5 on the road. They shoot about nine percentage points higher from the field at home too. If the Hornets underperform on their road trip they might be in serious need of a win to avoid slipping out their playoff spot early in the season.
Charlotte always plays Milwaukee closely. In the past four games between these two teams dating back to November 2017, all four been decided by five points or less. The teams played their first game of the season against each other and the Bucks won by just one point. This could be a close game, and if Milwaukee is fatigued, Charlotte stands a chance.