NBA

Brooklyn enters with a 0-4 record and has been outscored by 39 points so far, mainly because of its defense, which has allowed 124.0 points per game. The Nets are still scoring 114.3 points per game, but poor shot prevention and turnover issues have kept them from turning that into wins. Charlotte is 3-2 and has shown better balance, with a 101.0 points per game offense, 47.4 rebounds per game, and a 12th-ranked defensive efficiency mark. Even so, the Hornets have been inconsistent from deep at 30.6% and have relied on winning the possession battle more than on explosive half-court scoring.
Brooklyn’s defensive issues and Charlotte’s ability to control possessions point to a game that lands above the posted total. The Nets have been an over-friendly team early, and Charlotte has the defensive profile to keep Brooklyn from completely stalling out, while still producing enough offense itself to support a higher-scoring finish. My projected final score is Brooklyn Nets 108, Charlotte Hornets 114, with the over as the clearest recommended position.