Vasilije Micic and the Charlotte Hornets face the Houston Rockets tonight. The Hornets started 2024 with a surprising win in Houston and now have a chance to win a head-to-head matchup this season. That’s a task easier said than done, something Micic alluded to before the contest.

Vasilije Micic had the chance to watch the Rockets last night since the Hornets weren’t there. They took on the Toronto Raptors and will have no rest days before today’s contest. Still, Micic said, “I saw them last night and they’re a really physical team… We have to balance their energy and physicality because it’s their identity. We just have to be physical and creative in their (second-tier) defense.”

The Rockets have the second-best defensive rating in the NBA. That doesn’t bode well for a team prone to poor shooting nights and frequent turnovers. Charlotte has shot 46.2 and 40.6% from the field in their last two games. They also lost 12 of 13.

That’s why Micic said the Hornets have to get creative. They are missing Brandon Miller and Tre Mann, so they need inspiring performances from healthy Hornets. LaMelo Ball may have to take a leaf out of his own book in this season opener, as he helped the Hornets to a 110-105 win with 34 points (10/20 shooting), 11 assists, eight rebounds, one steal and one block.

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