Brooklyn Nets - Charlotte Hornets Preview: Emirates Cup Opens at Barclays Center
A Look at the Nets
The Brooklyn Nets will open the 2022-23 season at home against the Charlotte Hornets on October 19th. The Nets are coming off a disappointing season, finishing 44-38 and losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics.The Nets have made some changes to their roster this offseason, most notably trading Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks for Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith. They also signed TJ Warren, Edmond Sumner, and Markieff Morris.
A Look at the Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets are coming off a 43-39 season and a berth in the play-in tournament. The Hornets are led by LaMelo Ball, who is one of the most exciting young players in the NBA. The Hornets added some veteran leadership by signing Gordon Hayward this offseason, and they also acquired Kelly Oubre Jr. in a trade with the Phoenix Suns.The Hornets are a young and talented team, but they will need to find a way to improve their defense in order to take the next step.
Matchup Analysis
The Nets are the clear favorites in this matchup. They have more experience and talent, and they are playing at home. The Hornets will need to play a perfect game to pull off the upset.The key matchup in this game will be between Kevin Durant and LaMelo Ball. Durant is one of the best players in the NBA, but Ball is a rising star who is capable of putting up big numbers. If Ball can contain Durant, the Hornets will have a chance to win.
Prediction
The Nets should win this game easily. They are the better team on paper, and they are playing at home. The Hornets will need to play a perfect game to pull off the upset.The Nets will win 115-100.
