The Charlotte Hornets were without starting center Mark Williams (low back contusion) in Monday's loss to Miami and his absence proved to be massive as the Hornets were outworked in the paint and on the glass.
Unfortunately, the injury has not made much progress and he has been listed as doubtful for the "run it back" game with the Heat tomorrow in Miami.
With Williams presumably out, the Hornets will have to play small ball with P.J. Washington rotating in at the five behind Nick Richards who will be in line to start. I asked Clifford yesterday about the challenge of only having one true center available, particularly against Miami.
"It makes it more difficult," Clifford said. "Tonight, we were actually really good when we downsized. The P.J.-Miles (Bridges) combination was really good. And the (Kevin) Love factor is hard. He can play the five because he's strong, physical, smart. But he really plays like a four-man and we struggled obviously when we were bigger. He's clever. He finds open spots. Right now with the guys out the one thing you don't want to do..you never want one of your better scorers to have three fouls in the first half but right now it's even more critical because we don't have as much scoring off the bench."
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