CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Interstat) — Two teams looking to climb out of the Eastern Conference’s lower tier will meet Monday when the Charlotte Hornets host the Milwaukee Bucks at Spectrum Center. The Bucks (12-19) arrive after a 125-104 road loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday. The Hornets (11-20) are coming off one of their better performances of the season, a 120-105 victory at Orlando that same night. Forward Bobby Portis has been a consistent bright spot for Milwaukee amid its struggles. He is averaging 16.3 points and 9.2 rebounds over his last 10 games, including a 15-point, 12-rebound effort against Memphis. His activity inside will be key against a Charlotte frontcourt that has shown recent improvement. The Hornets are led by forward Miles Bridges, who is coming off a strong all-around performance with 16 points, 11 rebounds, five assists and three blocks against the Magic. Over his last 10 contests, Bridges has averaged 17.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.3 assists, serving as a primary facilitator and scorer. The season series is split 1-1, with each team winning on the other’s home floor earlier in November. The Bucks claimed a 147-134 shootout in Milwaukee on Nov. 14, just two days after the Hornets secured a 111-100 victory in Charlotte. Both teams have struggled for consistency. Milwaukee has lost seven of its last 10 games, while Charlotte has gone 5-5 over the same stretch, including wins in three of its last five. Defense has been a persistent issue; the Bucks allow 116.2 points per game, and the Hornets surrender 118.7. The game kicks off a home-and-home set between the clubs, who will meet again in Milwaukee on Friday. For the Bucks, Kevin Porter (16 points, eight rebounds, five assists vs. Memphis) and Kyle Kuzma will look to provide scoring support for Portis. The Hornets will rely on the playmaking of LaMelo Ball, who had 22 points, seven rebounds and five assists against Orlando, alongside Bridges. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. EST Monday.