Hornets' three-point offense meets Wizards' worst-in-NBA defense

The Charlotte Hornets (44-38 last season), who took 48.7% of their shots from three, face the Washington Wizards (17-65), the NBA's worst defense last season, in Charlotte on Monday, October 26, at 7:00 PM ET.

Charlotte scored 116.6 points per 100 possessions last season, seventh in the league. Washington allowed 120.3, the worst mark in the NBA, and opponents posted a 56.3% effective field goal rate against it, 27th of 30.

Rebounding adds to the problem. Charlotte recovered 30.5% of its own misses, fourth in the league, while Washington secured only 70.2% of opponents' misses, the lowest rate in the NBA. A missed Charlotte three can mean another look.

Washington's offense faces a sturdier defense. The Wizards scored 108.8 per 100 possessions, 29th, and Charlotte allowed 111.7, tenth. Washington played at the sixth-fastest pace, 103.4, while the Hornets were 24th at 99.1.

Anthony Davis averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds last season and gives Washington its most reliable inside scoring. Alexandre Sarr blocked two shots a game. For Charlotte, Brandon Miller scored 20.2 points a game and made 89.2% of his free throws, and Moussa Diabate pulled down 8.7 rebounds.

Charlotte is without Kon Knueppel, who played 31.4 minutes a game, and Coby White, who played 24.2. Both are out, with a listed return of Wednesday, October 28. Grant Williams is out until Friday, October 30.

Washington has AJ Dybantsa out until Wednesday, October 28, and Tristan Vukcevic out until Monday, November 2. Jamir Watkins, who played 21 minutes a game, is out until Friday, April 2.

Sportsbook prices give the Hornets a 53% chance to win. Keel's projection, built from the players available, puts it at 57% for Charlotte, by 2.3 points.