Milwaukee Bucks Game Preview: Nov. 1 at Charlotte Hornets
By Adam McGee
Major key for Charlotte – Make some free throws
The Charlotte Hornets are third in the NBA in terms of free throws attempted per game, but 29th when it comes to free throw percentage.
Dwight Howard missed all nine of his free throw attempts in a nine-point Hornets loss when these two teams met last week, and although he’s the primary culprit for Charlotte’s free throw woes, he’s not alone.
Howard is joined by Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams and Dwayne Bacon as regular rotation players for the Hornets who are all shooting below 60 percent from the stripe. Treveon Graham isn’t much better with a mark of 66.7 percent.
In the last game between these two teams, the Hornets attempted 20 more free throws than the Bucks. That disparity is only likely to increase at home. As much as the instincts of most would be to attribute such a vast difference to a questionable whistle, there’s a much more logical reason for Charlotte’s considerable time spent at the line.
The Hornets lead the NBA in rebounding and against the league’s worst rebounding team countless second chance opportunities are guaranteed. As players fight for rebounds under the rim, a Hornet coming up with possession often leads to a quick foul. With Howard as the player often grabbing the board, that approach is even advisable.
The Hornets are going to get to the line a lot on Wednesday night, and if they can make their freebies they’ll have every chance of coasting to victory.