Live NBA Game Thread: Brooklyn Nets at Charlotte Hornets, 7:00 PM EST

How about these Brooklyn Nets? They’re off to a 2-0 start, coming off a Christmas Day win over a very, very good Celtics team.

On Sunday night they take on an 0-2 Charlotte Hornets team - a team that’s actually better than their record. Not a title team, but they’ve got some good young talent.

WHO: Brooklyn Nets (2-0) at Charlotte Hornets (0-2)

WHERE: YES Network (local), NBA TV (national), WFAN (radio

WHEN: 7:00 PM EST

Game Thread:

Gordon Hayward is the top dog in Charlotte —starting a four-year, $120 million contract, and it’s been a while since he’s been the focus of his team’s offense. Hayward’s Celtics experience wasn’t the best, and this run in Charlotte ought to help him regain his rep as one of the better small forwards in the league. He can create his own shot, is a respectable three point shooter, and a solid passer.

With Zeller out for the next month and change, Bismack Biyombo will be starting at center every night. Biyombo doesn’t provide the offense Zeller does, but the hope is he can provide enough rim protection and rebounding to make the next few weeks manageable. He’ll have his hands full dealing with the combo of DeAndre Jordan and Jarrett Allen on the boards tonight.

Speaking of Allen, he’s due for a big payday this summer and another quality season will do wonders for his bank account. Most importantly, he’ll help deter players like Terry Rozier from making a living at the rim tonight.

For more on the Hornets, check out At The Hive.