New York @ Charlotte preview

Last Meeting ( Jan 28, 2020 ) New York 92, Charlotte 97

The Charlotte Hornets haven't put up much of a fight while losing their past two games by an average of 34 points. Charlotte looks to shake its way out of the doldrums when it hosts the also-struggling New York Knicks on Wednesday.

The Hornets averaged 83 points in the routs as they dropped a 115-86 home decision against the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday and were pummeled 119-80 by the host Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. "Our last game we lost by 29 points so I didn't like our response and didn't like our urgency," Charlotte coach James Borrego said in a postgame television interview following the loss to Indiana. "A very disappointing and unprofessional approach to the game." New York has dropped four straight contests and began a three-game road trip by falling 123-112 to the Houston Rockets on Monday. The Knicks had five players score in double digits but they were unable to keep up with Houston's firepower.

TIME: 7 p.m. ET. TV: MSG, FS Southeast

ABOUT THE KNICKS (17-40): Rookie shooting guard RJ Barrett scored 21 points against Houston and is averaging 18 points over the past three games after experiencing a four-game funk in which he averaged 6.8 with a high output of 12. The New York coaching staff has been working with Barrett to be more effective when he doesn't have the ball and helping him learn where he needs to drift and maneuver on the floor to be in the best position when the ball comes his way. "That's a natural progression for all players," interim coach Mike Miller told reporters. "I think all players who have been high-level players that really score have had the ball in their hands most of the time. That's the next base as he really builds and develops."

ABOUT THE HORNETS (19-38): The dismal performance against the Pacers saw Charlotte shoot 33 percent from the field and make 8-of-18 free throws and Borrego knows improvement is needed against the Knicks. "The key is how do we respond," Borrego said. "And we'll see what kind of pros and what type of character we have and we'll find out (Wednesday) night." Forward Miles Bridges (17 points) and backup guard Caleb Martin (11) were the lone players to score in double digits against Indiana.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. The Hornets are 2-0 versus the Knicks this season and have won five of the past six meetings.

2. Charlotte PG Devonte' Graham was rested against the Pacers after scoring six total points and being 1-of-17 from the field in the first two games following the All-Star break.

3. New York PG Elfrid Payton (ankle) is probable after missing the past two games.

PREDICTION: Hornets 109, Knicks 104