The Charlotte Hornets nearly stole a road win in Phoenix on Thursday, but late mistakes left them five points short. Now that close call leads them to Los Angeles, where the Clippers are chasing a different kind of answer: a spark to lift a 2-8 start. As of Friday, Nov. 13, Charlotte stood at 4-8, so Sunday’s 4:30 p.m. EST game brings together two teams trying to turn hard early weeks into a new chapter.

The Hornets have shown they can fight for extra chances. They average 46.6 rebounds per game, far more than the Clippers’ 40.5. That strength was clear in Phoenix, where Charlotte grabbed 15 offensive rebounds. An offensive rebound happens when a team gets the ball back after its own missed shot. It can create another layup, a free throw, or a kick-out pass for an open shooter. Moussa Diabate brings that kind of energy near the rim, while Naz Reid gives Charlotte a bigger body who can rebound and stretch the floor with his shooting.

But the Hornets must protect those extra possessions. They average 19.7 turnovers, and 25 turnovers hurt them against the Suns. A turnover gives the other team the ball without a shot, and Los Angeles is especially dangerous when it can run after mistakes. The Clippers average 9.9 steals, nearly three more than Charlotte. Their quick hands can turn a loose pass into a fast break before the defense gets set.

That is where Darius Garland takes center stage. Garland has averaged 20.4 points and 6.9 assists through 10 games, acting as both scorer and guide for the Clippers. He can dart into the lane, pull up for a jumper, or feed a teammate when defenders crowd him. Los Angeles scores 112.2 points per game and makes 38.1 percent of its three-pointers, which means Garland has shooters ready when he creates space.

The Clippers will need that balance because Brandon Ingram remains out with an Achilles injury. Rui Hachimura and Isaiah Jackson must help fill the scoring and energy gap. Jackson shoots 58.2 percent from the field, mostly by racing to the hoop, finishing close shots, and staying active around the basket. Veteran center Brook Lopez can also pull Charlotte’s big defenders away from the paint with his long-range shooting.

Charlotte’s main wing challenge rests with Brandon Miller, who is listed day-to-day with a groin injury. If available, Miller gives the Hornets a tall scorer who can shoot over defenders and attack from the wing. Coby White can push the pace and set up teammates, but Charlotte will be without Kon Knueppel, its injured young shooter. That absence puts even more pressure on Miller, White, Reid, and the rebounders to build enough offense.

Both teams need a clean, connected game, but the Clippers have the clearer path at home. Their shooting, passing, and ability to create steals match up well against Charlotte’s turnover problem. Prediction: The Clippers win.

Darius Garland and the Clippers Seek a Spark Against Charlotte