After a comeback victory against Washington on Saturday, Feb. 6. the Hornets played their last home game before the all-star break on Monday, Jan. 8. against Chicago. Charlotte entered the matchup with a 2-1 advantage on the season against Chicago.
The Bulls received discomforting news shortly before game time. Starting point guard Derrick Rose was ruled out against Charlotte due to soreness. Chicago was also missing all-star small forward Jimmy Butler to a knee injury. With a depleted squad in Time Warner Cable Arena, the Hornets had a chance to get a much needed victory, before heading on the road for the next six games.