This NBA Eastern Conference matchup is poised to be closely contested. The Charlotte Hornets, with an 11-20 record, currently sit in 12th place. They're riding a two-game winning streak, fueled by Bridges' 20.4 points per game and the emergence of rookie C. Nipe. However, the Hornets' defense struggles, ranking at the bottom of the league, and they are dealing with several injuries. The Milwaukee Bucks, holding an 13-19 record, are in 11th place. Giannis Antetokounmpo's dominant performances, averaging 28.9 points and 10 rebounds, are central to the team's success. The Bucks also boast a strong three-point shooting percentage of 39.5%, ranking third in the league. They recently snapped a losing streak with a victory over the Chicago Bulls. The two teams have already met twice this season, with the Bucks winning in overtime. The Bucks also hold a psychological advantage, having won 5 of their last 6 encounters. The key factors will be the Hornets' ability to compensate for their defensive weaknesses with their offensive firepower and their ability to contain Giannis's impact. The Bucks will be looking to leverage their outside shooting to create a scoring gap. Recommendation: Charlotte Hornets