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The Charlotte Hornets will visit Capital One Arena to take on the Washington Wizards for the final game of the 2020-21 NBA season.
Sunday's game is important for both teams as the outcome will determine their postseason berth. The Hornets and the Wizards have the same record. The winner of the game will end up in 8th place, while the loser will go to the 9th spot.
The 8th-seeded team has a cushion in the play-in tournament. If they lose their first game, they get another chance to enter the playoffs by facing the winner of the 9th seed vs 10th seed play-in game.
Match Details
Fixture: Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards | NBA Season 2020-21.
Date & Time: Sunday, May 16th, 2021; 1:00 PM ET (Sunday, May 16th; 10:30 AM IST).
Venue: Capital One Arena, Washington, DC.
Washington Wizards Preview
The Washington Wizards were handed a huge blow when their leading scorer, Bradley Beal, went down with an injury. The team sidelined him for the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers as his health is crucial to the team's postseason aspirations.
Beal's injury isn't serious, and he expects to play again. The Wizards might upgrade his status to available given the importance of Sunday's game.
The Washington Wizards' role players have stepped up their game lately. Players like Davis Bertans, Raul Neto, Rui Hachimura and Alex Len have been impressive during games, boosting their side's chances of having a deep playoff run.
Key Player - Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook has had one of his best seasons ever. He broke Oscar Robertson's 47-year-old triple-double record by securing 182. This will be his 4th season in five years in which he will average a triple-double for a season.
Westbrook will be the most valuable player for the Washington Wizards on Sunday regardless of whether Bradley Beal laces up.
Washington Wizards Predicted Lineup
Point Guard - Russell Westbrook | Shooting Guard - Raul Neto | Small Forward - Bradley Beal | Power Forward - Rui Hachimura | Center - Alex Len
Charlotte Hornets Preview
The Charlotte Hornets are on the verge of ending their playoff drought this season. They are currently at the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference, and their game on Sunday will decide their final postseason berth.
The whole team is playing like a cohesive unit, and the young talent in the squad appear to be ready for a deep playoff run in the future, even if they don't get too far this season.
Players like LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, Devonte Graham, Miles Bridges and PJ Washington have adapted to their roles amazingly and have great chemistry.
The absence of Gordan Hayward has hurt the Charlotte Hornets a little as they are 9-18 without him in the lineup. However, the rest of the players have more reps together and should manage without him.
Rozier is leading the team in points scored and is having one of his best seasons ever.
Key Player - LaMelo Ball
Many consider LaMelo Ball the runaway Rookie of the Year this season. He has impressed everyone with his playmaking and overall ability.
Although Terry Rozier averages more points per game, Ball's overall production makes him more valuable to the Charlotte Hornets.
LaMelo Ball leads the team in assists and steals while averaging the second-highest rebounds and points.
Charlotte Hornets Predicted Lineup
Point Guard - LaMelo Ball | Shooting Guard - Terry Rozier | Small Forward - Jalen McDaniels | Power Forward - PJ Washington | Center - Cody Zeller
Hornets vs Wizards Match Prediction
If Bradley Beal laces up for the game, the Washington Wizards will certainly have the edge over the Charlotte Hornets.
The young players in the Hornets squad will have to step up and bring their A-game to avoid slipping to the 9th seed.
Russell Westbrook is expected to put in a good shift as usual, and stopping him is key for the Charlotte Hornets. We expect a thrilling showdown on Sunday.
Where to watch the Hornets vs Wizards game
The Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards game will be locally televised on Bally Sports Southeast - Charlotte and NBC Sports Washington. The match can also be streamed live with an NBA League Pass.
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