On December 19, 2024, basketball fans will witness an exciting lineup of NBA action, featuring 13 games, signaling the mid-season intensity as teams position themselves for the playoffs. Among the marquee matchups, the Capital One Arena in Washington D.C. will host the pivotal clash between the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets, starting at 21:00 Brasília time.
Both teams are currently struggling to find their footing, with the Wizards sitting at 14th place and the Hornets just above them at 13th within the Eastern Conference. This game is not only about pride but also about keeping playoff hopes alive as the Wizards aim to recover from recent disappointments. The game will be streamed live on NBA League Pass for those who want to catch every moment of the action.
For the Wizards, the matchup presents another chance to blend the talents of their roster effectively. The expected starting lineup includes Tyus Jones, Jordan Poole, Deni Avdija, Kyle Kuzma, and Daniel Gafford. After suffering through inconsistencies and defensive woes leading to consecutive losses, they hope to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, the Hornets are also fielding competitive talent, with LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams set to take the court.
The primary focus during this NBA night will not just be the Wizards and Hornets. Viewers can also keep their eyes on other thrilling games. The schedule also includes the Oklahoma City Thunder facing off against the Orlando Magic, the Memphis Grizzlies taking on the Golden State Warriors, and the Chicago Bulls squaring off with the Boston Celtics, all at various times throughout the evening.
The Wizards recently snapped their three-game losing streak with notable performances during their latest games. Specifically, against the Hornets, Jordan Poole scored 27 points, leading the effort alongside Malcolm Brogdon, who added 25 points upon his return from injury. The win was especially significant as it marked only their second victory out of the last 21 games, illustrating the tough season they have faced following last year’s franchise worst record.
LaMelo Ball, the star player for the Hornets, finished the game with 34 points and 13 assists but had struggled with his shooting throughout the match, hitting only 3 of his 18 attempts from beyond the three-point line—a stark 16.7% performance. This inefficacy added to Charlotte’s woes as they continued to slip, losing three straight games and 11 of their last 12 encounters.
Add to this the fact of Brandon Miller’s absence due to injury, which was evident as he looked set to return but was later scratched from the game. This absence left the Hornets to navigate the tough match without their recent scoring machine, impacting their game strategy significantly.
Other key matchups on the same night include:
- Utah Jazz vs. Detroit Pistons at 21:00 (League Pass)
- Chicago Bulls vs. Boston Celtics at 21:30 (League Pass)
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Toronto Raptors at 21:30 (League Pass)
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets at 22:00 (League Pass)
- Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 22:00 (League Pass)
- Atlanta Hawks vs. San Antonio Spurs at 22:00 (League Pass)
- Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks at 22:30 (League Pass)
- Indiana Pacers vs. Phoenix Suns at 23:00 (League Pass)
- New York Knicks vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at 23:30 (Prime Video / League Pass)
- Denver Nuggets vs. Portland Trail Blazers at 00:00 (League Pass)
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings at 00:00 (League Pass)
With another busy night filled with action, fans will not want to miss any of these exciting games, each potentially impacting the standings across both Eastern and Western Conferences. The outcomes of these games will be significant as teams aim to solidify their chances for playoff positions as the season approaches its halfway mark.
For those wanting to catch specific games, Prime Video will be streaming two matches: the Oklahoma City Thunder facing the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks going up against the Minnesota Timberwolves, providing additional viewing options. All other matches will have their actions live on the NBA League Pass, ensuring fans from around the world can stay connected to the season's developments.
Decisions made on the court tonight will ripple through the league as teams push themselves harder for every point. Will the Wizards keep their momentum going, or will the Hornets bounce back from their recent struggles? All roads lead to thrilling outcomes this December 19!
