The Charlotte Hornets (7-16) host the Los Angeles Clippers (13-11) inside Spectrum Center at 7 p.m. ET on Monday. The Clippers are 1.5-point favorites with the total set at 217 points.

Clippers go back on the road after two-straight losses
Los Angeles has suffered back-to-back defeats at the hands of Utah (125-122) and Sacramento (123-96), sliding to No. 7 in the West. Last time out against the Kings, the starting lineup produced just 41 points combined while down Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell and Luke Kennard. The Clippers shot 35.5 percent from the field, 27.3 percent from deep and committed 17 turnovers to just 15 assists on the night. Los Angeles now averages the seven-most turnovers (15.9), fifth-fewest assists (22.4) and third-worst assist-to-turnover ratio (1.41) among all teams.

Although they are a top-five defensive rebounding unit and a top-six defense based on rating, on the opposite side of the ball, the Clippers average the least amount of points per game (106.7). George leads the team and ranks No. 22 overall in scoring at 23.6 points per game on 45.8 percent shooting from the field, while Ivica Zubac averages a Clippers-best 11.6 boards per contest which is good for third in the NBA. George (knee), Leonard (ankle) and Kennard (calf) are all listed as QUESTIONABLE for Monday’s game. Powell (groin) has been downgraded to OUT.

Hornets host third-consecutive home game without Ball
Charlotte is reeling at No. 13 in the East, now entering its eighth-straight game missing former third overall pick LaMelo Ball (ankle) — downgraded yet again. The Hornets undoubtedly need the guard back as soon as possible to help save a group with the worst offensive rating (106), worst field goal percentage (44.7) and second-worst three-point percentage (32) in the league. Charlotte has lost two of its last three games, and in its last contest against Milwaukee, the Hornets failed to cover as two-point underdogs despite Terry Rozier, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Jalen McDaniels combining to score 69 points and Mason Plumlee recording a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double.

Rozier is the roster’s best scoring option to this point, averaging 21.2 points per game, with Oubre Jr. not too far behind (19.8). To point out a few silver linings, Charlotte does post the fifth-most points off turnovers (19.5), fifth-most second chance points (16.5) and seventh-most points in the paint (53.9) per game. However, the Hornets also score the fourth-fewest points overall (109 ppg). Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) and Mark Williams (ankle) are bout OUT versus Los Angeles as well.