Fearless predictions: DeAndre Jordan will be a load, but Hornets must exploit home games

Five fearless predictions for Friday’s Charlotte Hornets game against the Los Angeles Clippers:

1. Howard in for a major challenge

Dwight Howard is typically the bigger, more physical center in most NBA matchups. DeAndre Jordan, third in thea NBA in rebounding, is of comparable size and a younger model.

2. Austin Rivers will cause some havoc

Now the Clippers’ starting point guard, Rivers (son of coach Doc Rivers and a former Duke star) averages nearly two steals per game this season.

3. Kaminsky better buckle up

Hornets backup power forward Frank Kaminsky got used by LeBron James on a put-back basket Wednesday. The Clippers’ Blake Griffin is as rugged and always aggressive.

4. Batum might be hurting

This is the second game on back-to-back nights. That will be a challenge for Nic Batum, as he returns to game shape after six weeks of relative inactivity with a torn ligament in his left elbow.

5. Hornets 106, Clippers 100

The Hornets have to take advantage of this slew of upcoming home games.

This story was originally published November 17, 2017 at 4:27 PM with the headline "Fearless predictions: DeAndre Jordan will be a load, but Hornets must exploit home games."