“We know it’s going to be a tight physical game,” …

TL;DR

Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets face the Miami Heat in a crucial play-in tournament game tonight, aiming for a chance at the NBA playoffs. The winner will advance to play against the loser of the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Orlando Magic matchup for a shot at the first-round playoffs against the Detroit Pistons.

Charlotte Hornets star Brandon Miller was in awe as a rookie when he saw NHRA drag race star Antron Brown push to more than 300 mph on a quarter-mile track in a race lasting just seconds. Pushing the pace and winning will also be necessary if Miller and his Hornets hope to take the next step toward making the NBA playoffs. Miller and the Eastern Conference’s ninth-seeded Hornets host the 10th-seed Miami Heat in a play-in tournament game in Charlotte tonight. The winner will go on the road Friday to play the loser of Wednesday’s 7-8 game between the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic. The reward is a first-round playoff matchup against the East No. 1 seed Detroit Pistons. “We know it’s going to be a tight physical game,” Miller said about tonight against Miami. “So, we’re just going in there with the mindset of doing what we do best — playing in transition, our pace. Push the pace. Get our defensive habits back up.”

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This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: “We know it’s going to be a tight physical game,” …

Q&A

What are the stakes for the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament against the Miami Heat?

The Hornets must win to advance to the next round, where they will face the loser of the 76ers vs. Magic game for a chance at the playoffs.

Who is Brandon Miller and what did he say about the upcoming game against the Miami Heat?

Brandon Miller is a rookie star for the Hornets, and he emphasized the need for a tight, physical game while focusing on playing in transition and improving their defensive habits.