Charlotte @ Los Angeles preview

Last Meeting ( Feb 5, 2019 ) L.A. Clippers 117, Charlotte 115

The Los Angeles Clippers hit a speed bump on the way to a perfect three-game start last time out and look to rebound when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Monday. The Clippers rolled to double-digit victories over a pair of Pacific Division rivals to open the season before allowing 50 percent shooting overall and 75 points in the second half of a 130-122 loss at Phoenix on Saturday.

“You have a couple of these games where you’re just late on everything,” Los Angeles coach Doc Rivers told reporters after the setback. “I thought we were late on everything. On the offensive end, we had no pace. We deserved to lose.” Kawhi Leonard is averaging 26 points, eight assists and 6.3 rebounds in his first three games with the Clippers, who have averaged 125 points in the early going and won nine straight against the Hornets on their home court. Charlotte opened the season with a one-point victory over Chicago at home but has dropped a pair of double-digit decisions after falling 120-101 to the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday to open a four-game road trip and won’t have to change locker rooms for a game 24 hours later. Miles Bridges led the way with 23 points in Sunday’s loss and is averaging 16 in three games, but the Hornets shot a season-low 37.5 percent and were outscored 57-39 in the second half.

TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, NBA TV, FS Southeast (Charlotte), Prime Ticket (Los Angeles)

ABOUT THE HORNETS (1-2): Cody Zeller returned on Sunday after missing the game against Minnesota due to a personal issue and registered his second straight double-double with 19 points - on 9-of-13 shooting - and 14 rebounds. Reserve Devonte’ Graham scored 47 points on 15-of-24 shooting (12-of-16 from 3-point range) in his first two games but missed 12 of his 13 field-goal attempts in Sunday’s loss. Rookie P.J. Washington scored 27 points in his NBA debut against Chicago but recorded a total of 18 on 6-of-15 shooting over his last two contests.

ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (2-1): With Paul George (shoulder) out until mid-November, the team needs more scoring depth - and Montrezl Harrell has stepped up in the early going, averaging 21 points and 6.7 rebounds. Super substitute Lou Williams is averaging 22 points and 5.7 assists through three contests while JaMychal Green has contributed 11.3 points in 17 minutes per game off the bench. Versatile veteran Patrick Beverley has been filling up the scoresheet, averaging six points, seven rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.3 steals in the first three contests.

BUZZER BEATERS

1. Hornets G Malik Monk, who was the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, went 0-for-7 without scoring in 34 minutes over his last two games.

2. Clippers rookie G Amir Coffey (ankle) has missed the first three games and is considered day-to-day.

3. Charlotte hit 23 shots from 3-point range in its season-opening victory but have made a total of 22 in its last two contests.

PREDICTION: Clippers 125, Hornets 104