The San Antonio Spurs play host to the Charlotte Hornets at AT&T Center on Wednesday evening.

The Spurs are in for another tough season for their young group. With the departure of last year's star, Dejounte Murray, the Spurs have handed the keys to 22-year old point guard, Tre Jones. Devin Vassell showed impressive progress last season, averaging 12.3 points and 4.3 rebounds in 27 minutes per game, and he should be ready to take another step in a larger role this season. Rookie, Jeremy Sochan, Doug McDermott and Josh Richardson will have plenty of minutes to share at the small forward position. Keldon Johnson showed some flashes of brilliance last season, averaging 17.0 points, 6.1 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, and he will likely be a major focal point of the team again this season. At the center position, Jakob Poeltl will continue to hold it down, while Zach Collins and Isaiah Roby provide backup.

On the other side, the Hornets did not make many changes in the offseason, aside from picking up Dennis Smith Jr. and Theo Maledon to provide support at the point. Unfortunately, LaMelo Ball (ankle) picked up an injury in preseason play and will remain out through Wednesday's game, meaning Smith Jr. and Maledon could see a boost in their role right off the bat. However, the Hornets have a lot of depth at the wings, including Terry Rozier, who can also run the point, while Kelly Oubre and Cody Martin can slide in to cover the shooting guard position. Gordon Hayward is set to begin the season after missing extended time in the final months of last season. The Hornets continue to look to Mason Plumlee at center, while they may also go small at times with P.J. Washington playing the middle.