Milwaukee Bucks (0-0) at Charlotte Hornets (0-0), 7 p.m. (ET)
(SportsNetwork.com) - The Charlotte Hornets made the playoffs for the first time since 2010 last season and will try to become a staple in the postseason, starting Wednesday night with their season-opener against the Milwaukee Bucks at Time Warner Cable Arena.
The Hornets, who finished fourth in the NBA last season in opponents' scoring, were swept out of the first round by the Miami Heat, but made improvements.
Lance Stephenson, the sometimes troubling, always effective wing player, was brought in to enhance the defense and improve the offense. He's an excellent perimeter defender, dating back to his days with the Indiana Pacers, and last season, his offense became reliable. Stephenson can create as well as shoot.
Stephenson brings some baggage in the form of immaturity, but head coach Steve Clifford will have to love the positives Stephenson can bring to the Hornets, who changed back to the original franchise name in May.
Al Jefferson enjoyed a breakout season in 2013-14, making the All-NBA Third Team as a center. Kemba Walker is a strong scoring lead guard and was rewarded with a contract extension earlier in the week.
Marvin Williams was brought in as a stretch four to replace Josh McRoberts, who left for Miami via free agency. Williams can shoot, but will need to work on his rebounding and passing to truly replace McRoberts.
The Hornets were stung hard by the injury bug during training camp. Stephenson has a right groin strain and Gerald Henderson missed the entire preseason with a hamstring injury.
"I don't even know who the playing groups are going to be until tomorrow after shootaround," Clifford acknowledged after practice on Tuesday. "In that way, it's not what you'd like. Our guys have worked hard. They're excited to play, so we'll figure out tomorrow and play well."
The Bucks made improvements in the offseason as well, and they have nowhere to go but up. Milwaukee finished with the worst record in the NBA last season and the first major change came on the bench.
Jason Kidd took over head-coaching duties from Larry Drew this offseason. Kidd attempted a power play for more control in Brooklyn, then was given permission to seek employment elsewhere. Drew was still the coach of the Bucks, but new ownership gave Kidd the job.
In his one season as Nets coach, Kidd struggled early, but turned Brooklyn into a tough team by the postseason. They upset the Toronto Raptors before falling to the Heat.
Kidd inherits a young roster, highlighted by Jabari Parker, the No. 2 overall pick in June's draft. The Duke product is the most NBA-ready prospect and will start at the power forward spot.
"It's real exciting for it to finally come along," said Parker. "I'm ready to start this journey with the guys with the team. It's going to be a real good experience."
The Bucks are hoping for a big second season from Giannis Antetokounmpo. He grew two inches over the summer and will start at the shooting guard position standing at 6-foot-11, which is the same size as starting center, Larry Sanders.
Kidd will need bounce-back seasons from Sanders, who missed time with injuries and suspension last season, and Ersan Ilyasova, who will come off the bench to start the campaign.
The Hornets swept the hapless Bucks last season (4-0) and are 9-1 in their last 10 at home in this series.