The Charlotte Hornets will begin their new season under coach Charles Lee without key players Mark Williams and DaQuan Jeffries due to injuries, while Josh Green is questionable with an Achilles issue. Williams, the starting center, is recovering from a tendon sprain in his left foot, and the team has not provided a timeline for his return. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are optimistic about Tari Eason's return, expecting him to enhance their defense and potentially improve his shooting stats. Last season, the Rockets finished with a balanced 41-41 record, while the Hornets struggled with a 21-61 record, showing challenges both at home and on the road. The upcoming game between the Rockets and Hornets is anticipated as both teams aim to kick off the season positively, with the Rockets leveraging their defensive strengths. The Hornets, predicted to finish 13th in the Eastern Conference according to NBA2K simulations, are looking to overcome their previous season's disappointments.