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The Charlotte Hornets (7-21) are mired in a four-game skid as they prepare to host the Houston Rockets (18-9) on Monday night. While the Hornets have struggled to find their rhythm, Houston arrives riding the momentum of a 14-6 stretch over their last 20 games.
On the offensive end, the contrasting fortunes of these teams are stark. The Rockets are averaging a robust 113.5 points per game this season while shooting just under 45% from the field. Their three-point shooting has hovered around 33%, complemented by a stellar 78% clip from the free throw line. Meanwhile, the Hornets are scoring a pedestrian 110.2 points per contest on 43% shooting, including a shade above 35% from beyond the arc.
Defensively, Charlotte has been equally porous, surrendering 113 points per game compared to Houston's stingier 106.4 points allowed. The Rockets have tightened the screws over their last 20 games, limiting opponents to just under 106 points while grabbing nearly 50 rebounds per outing. In contrast, the Hornets' struggles on the glass have persisted, hauling in just over 46 boards during the same stretch.
While both teams have been plagued by turnovers, Houston has done a better job protecting the ball, averaging 13 giveaways over their previous 20 contests compared to Charlotte's 16 turnovers. The Rockets have also showcased a balanced attack, dishing out 23.5 assists per game while getting contributions across the board.
Recent form suggests an uphill battle for the reeling Hornets, who have mustered only 105.6 points over their last five games while surrendering 114 points on 45% shooting from their opponents. Unless Charlotte can find a way to slow Houston's potent offense and jumpstart their own scoring output, this matchup could further extend their losing woes.