Hornets vs Mavericks: Rookie Race & Playoff Push

0:00It's March 3rd, here's your NBA news in 2 minutes. Subscribe to stay locked in all season. The Charlotte Hornets host the Dallas Mavericks tonight at 7pm eastern time on NBA TV. Is there a second match of this season after Charlotte edged out a close, 123-121 back on January 29th? The Hornets sit at 30 wins and 31 losses, while Dallas is 21 and 39. Dallas has been on fire lately, winning 14 of their last 17 games, including a 4 game streak after beating Portland 1092, 93 on Saturday. Their offense ranked second in efficiency and first in 3 pointers made over that stretch. 4 starters, Kahn Nwepple, Brandon Miller, Lamello Ball, and Miles Bridges all average at least 17.9 points per game, making them the only team with that kind of score in depth. Meanwhile, the Mavericks are battling major injuries and have dropped 11 of their last 13.

1:01Kyrie Irving is out for the season. Anthony Davis got traded after missing time, and Cooper Flag has been sideline with a foot issue. Najie Marshall, their recent bright spot at 18.9 points per game, sits out with a finger injury, along with PJ Washington, Marvin, Bagley, Clay Thompson, and Derek Lively. One big subplot is the rookie of the year race between Hornets guard Kahn Nwepple and Mavericks forward, Cooper Flag, former Duke teammates. Nwepple just set the NBA record for most 3 pointers by a rookie, and averages 19.3 points on elite shooting splits. Flag leads slightly at 20.4 points, and solid all around numbers, but has missed the last 3 weeks, he's expected back soon. This could be another tight one, with Charlotte chasing a playoff push just 3.5 games behind 6 in the east, while Dallas looks to. Snap their skid from 12 in the west. This standing story comes to you thanks to our sponsor, press play, put your head down, the sound is already there.

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