Hornets vs. Trail Blazers Preview: Miller’s Absence Could Weaken Hornets; Cui Yongxi’s Breakout Performance Anticipated

On July 20, the NBA Summer League will feature a game between the Charlotte Hornets and the Portland Trail Blazers.

The Trail Blazers have a record of 2 wins and 1 loss in the previous Summer League games. In their last match against the Wizards, the Trail Blazers won 82-80. Among them, McGovens scored 19 points, while Rupert had 16 points and 4 rebounds. The much-anticipated rookie Kling got 8 points and 13 rebounds. Chinese player Cui Yongxi had limited opportunities and scored 3 points. During the game, Cui Yongxi had one particularly impressive mid-range shot after a breakthrough.

Due to the addition of Cui Yongxi, the Trail Blazers are one of the most watched teams by Chinese fans in this Summer League. In the three games played so far, Cui Yongxi has had two appearances. However, in both games, Cui Yongxi came off the bench at the end of the first quarter and played for about 3-4 minutes in the second quarter before being substituted, with a similar pattern in the second half. Therefore, his playing time has been very limited. It is possible that Cui Yongxi may continue with this playing pattern in the game against the Hornets.

The Hornets have a record of 5 wins and 1 loss in the previous Summer League games, demonstrating strong performance. However, in their last game, the Hornets lost 84-89 to the Celtics. Last season’s No. 2 pick, Miller, has missed the last two games, and No. 6 draft pick Salaun did not play in this game either. Although five players scored in double digits, they ultimately lost the game. For the Hornets, if Miller and Salaun are unable to play, then the 27-year-old Simpson will be their top scorer. Against the Celtics, he scored 19 points and had 6 assists, receiving a significant share of ball possession.

The biggest highlight of this game between the Hornets and the Trail Blazers is undoubtedly Cui Yongxi’s performance. Based on his current performance, it is challenging for Cui Yongxi to secure a two-way contract, and he needs to make a significant impact in his limited playing time. Additionally, from a strength perspective, if Miller is unable to play, the Trail Blazers might have an advantage, especially considering their size advantage in the paint with Kling.

Portland Trail Blazers Roster: 10 Chris Murray, 21 Rupert, 23 Kling, 24 Minaya, 52 Davis, 53 Ellis, 54 Chandler, 56 Smith, 59 Cui Yongxi, 60 Jones, 61 Johnson, 62 Lee Hyun-Jong, 64 Reese, 68 Kamho

Charlotte Hornets Roster: 7 McGovens, 8 Nick Smith, 12 Blake, 14 McConnell, 16 Banks, 18 Gaye, 19 Pride, 20 Morgan, 21 Butler, 24 Brandon Miller, 25 KJ Simpson, 26 Hall, 27 Pember, 28 Garrett, 31 Salaun, 32 Bradshaw, 33 Stephens, 34 Slater, 35 Cross, 37 Xavier Simpson

>>For more predictions on this game, click >>>