Miles Bridges – Charlotte Hornets
Early on in the season, Miles Bridges was a key “sixth-man-like” guy for the Hornets and was primarily used off-the-bench, giving the Hornets anywhere from 20-25 minutes per game. However, Bridges stepped up into a much bigger role after the All-Star break due to some starters being out with numerous injuries.
Miles Bridges has arguably been the Hornets’ best player during the second-half of the season and now with him being back after having to sit out a handful of games in health and safety protocols, he is ready to pick up right where he left off.
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Gordon Hayward is expected to miss tomorrow’s play-in game as he is still recovering from a foot injury, which is why Bridges is a key player for the Hornets tomorrow. Not only is he a factor pushing the pace and running in transition, but he is a very underrated rebounder on the defensive-end of the court.
Miles Bridges averaged 4.8 defensive rebounds per game this year, but in three games against the Pacers, he averaged 5.0 defensive rebounds per game and had 10 total rebounds against the Pacers in their final meeting of the regular season.
Given his abilities on both ends of the court, Miles Bridges is going to be the most important player in this “one-and-done” game for Charlotte. Terry Rozier, LaMelo Ball and P.J. Washington will have to pull their weight as well for this team to beat Indiana, but if Bridges does not have a good game, then this team’s season will likely be over.
