Karl-Anthony Cities to make Knicks debut in preseason opener towards Charlotte

Hornets: OUT Mark Williams (left foot sprain), Cody Martin (wrist sprain)
Knicks: OUT Mitchell Robinson (left ankle surgical procedure)

The Charlotte Hornets are anticipated to have LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller on the courtroom collectively for the primary time since November 27, 2023. Will new head coach Charles Lee discover success the place his predecessors James Borrego and Steve Clifford have failed by way of getting the group to purchase defensively? Does the addition of Josh Inexperienced give Charlotte the on-ball perimeter protection the group wanted? How explosive will the offense be with Charlotte’s finest offensive gamers sharing the ground? We’ll lastly have some readability on these long-standing offseason questions.

In keeping with head coach Tom Thibodeau, Karl-Anthony Cities seems able to make his debut in a Knicks uniform after his commerce to Minnesota. His means to stretch the sphere for Jalen Brunson makes the matchup troublesome for Hornets heart Nick Richards.

Key match: LaMelo Ball/Brandon Miller vs. OG Anunoby/Mikal Bridges

This might be the hardest offensive problem for Charlotte’s two younger gamers. If Ball and Miller can play effectively towards two of one of the best defenders within the NBA, the Hornets have an opportunity. Regardless that Charlotte will not play main minutes for its stars, their efficiency will nonetheless be a great way to gauge the place each gamers are heading into the season. Stories of a extra bodily, FIBA-like fashion of basketball anticipated this season doesn’t bode effectively for Ball or Miller, each of whom have struggled at occasions towards bodily opponents.

Charlotte’s subsequent preseason recreation is at residence towards the Miami Warmth on October 8 at 7 p.m. EST.

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