USA TODAY Sports

Injury Report

Hornets: OUT Mark Williams (back), LaMelo Ball (ankle), Amari Bailey (G-League), Leaky Black (G-League), Nathan Mensah (G-League)

Warriors: OUT Chris Paul (hand)

Game Preview

The Hornets (14-41) continue their West Coast road trip on Friday as they visit the Golden State Warriors (28-26). Charlotte is on the second night of a back-to-back after taking down the Jazz. Golden State is also on the second night of a back-to-back where they beat the Lakers are home last night. 

The new-look Hornets have won four games in a row coming into this matchup behind the power of key additions such as Tre Mann and Grant Williams. Rookie Brandon Miller also continues to shine, really stepping up since the calendar hit 2024 and showing why the Hornets chose him as the second-overall pick in the draft.

Golden State is not the team they once were, evident by the team currently sitting with the 10th-best record in the Western Conference. With perennial superstar Steph Curry- brother of new Hornets guard Seth Curry- still at the helm though, the Warriors remain a dangerous opponent each night.

Key Matchup: Nick Richards vs Draymond Green

Draymond Green, controversy and aging aside, still remains one of the more difficult matchups in the league for opposing centers. His defensive knowledge, aggression, and effectiveness as a passer have helped the Warriors succeed for many years at this point. 

Richards finds himself in a matchup where he will need to remain vigilant and mentally engaged at all times, and will likely find himself on the perimeter defensively more than he is used to. Remaining flexible, and using his size to his advantage where he can do so, will be imperative for the Hornets to continue their winning ways tonight.

Predicted Starting Fives

Position Charlotte Hornets Golden State Warriors

PG

Tre Mann

Steph Curry

SG

Cody Martin

Brandin Podziemski

SF

Brandon Miller

Andrew Wiggins

PF

Miles Bridges

Jonathan Kuminga

C

Nick Richards

Draymond Green

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