Hornets try to defeat Heat, stop four-game skid

Who: Charlotte Hornets @ Miami Heat

When: Sunday, November 23 at 6 p.m. EST

Where: American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL

How to watch: SportsSouth, NBA League Pass

Here we are. I don't know how we got here, but here we are.

The Charlotte Hornets are 4-9 this season. I'm usually not one to jump to conclusions, but I'm very worried for the Hornets right now. Three of their wins came at home -- meaning one came on the road -- and tonight, they're taking on the Miami Heat, another division rival, and trying to stop a four-game losing streak. The schedule doesn't get much easier over the next couple of weeks (Clippers, Trailblazers, Warriors next), so the quicker the Hornets can figure things out, the better.

Tonight's game won't be easy either, as a weakened Heat team is still nothing to scoff at. Even with Dwyane Wade's status for tonight being unclear, Chris Bosh is more than capable of carrying the Heat to victory. He's averaging 21.5 points and 8.7 rebounds this season, and Luol Deng's contribution of 13.8 points and 4.1 rebounds per game has helped the team as well. Chalmers has filled in nicely for the injured Wade (20 points per game with Wade out this season).

The key to a win tonight is to limit Chris Bosh's touches and prevent penetration. Much of the Heat's offense is created through the drive and kick game, and the more the Hornets can stop the likes of Mario Chalmers, Shabazz Napier, and Norris Cole from sucking in the defense by getting in the lane. That leaves Kemba Walker and Lance Stephenson with a tough task tonight, but one they're surely capable of if they're committed to a win.

It won't be easy, but this game is very winnable. Come on, Hornets. You can do this.