The trade deadline saw the Charlotte Hornets become a hot topic around the Association because of their drama with the Los Angeles Lakers. Even so, the rescission of the Mark Williams deal didn’t take the spotlight away from the Lakers’ blockbuster trade with the Dallas Mavericks.
Swapping Anthony Davis and Luka Doncic, along with some more assets, turned a lot of heads. Many people were wondering why Dallas was willing to give up its 25-year-old superstar in exchange for someone six years older with an extensive injury history.
Los Angeles also ended up with a considerable hole at the center after parting ways with Davis and changing its mind on Williams. The Hornets exposed some of the Lakers’ weaknesses, grabbing the win in their latest matchup.
A week after taking on the new-look Lake Show, Charlotte is slated to face Dallas. However, the team will have to wait for a long while before it sees Davis in a Mavs uniform.
Anthony Davis will watch from the sidelines on Thursday
The 10-time All-Star showed the Mavs faithful what it will be getting during the squad’s bout against the Houston Rockets several days after the trade. He put up 26 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, and three blocks but unfortunately suffered a non-contact injury. As it turned out, he sustained a left adductor strain, causing him to be out for multiple weeks.
Davis was evaluated last week, and although it was reported that he was progressing well, he will have to be re-evaluated in early March. So, the Hornets might have slightly better odds of coming out with the win on Thursday. After three straight games of losing by at least 36, Buzz City needs all the help it can get.
That might be good news for Williams, who didn’t exactly have a great outing the last time he matched up against the five-time All-NBA selection.
Joining AD in street clothes will be Daniel Gafford, Dereck Lively II, and former Hornet Caleb Martin. Another player who used to suit up for Charlotte, P.J. Washington, is questionable to play.
The lack of healthy bodies won’t be an advantage for the Hornets, though, as they have also submitted several names on the injury report. Five players have already been listed as out, namely Grant Williams, Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, Josh Okogie, and Tidjane Salaun. Meanwhile, Seth Curry is probable to appear, and DaQuan Jeffries and Wendell Moore Jr. are listed as questionable.
Even without the services of some key players, Hornets fans are hoping that the team will put up a better fight against Dallas. They aren’t even expecting a victory as long as it doesn’t get blown out for a fourth consecutive time.