Adam Williams presents his prediction for the NBA match.
The Charlotte Hornets continue their downward spiral, ranking among the worst teams in the league. They have lost their last two games by a combined 67 points, showing they are struggling even against mid-tier opponents. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks remain in the East’s top three and have handled bottom-tier teams well, even without Jalen Brunson.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets have suffered humiliating defeats against the Los Angeles Clippers (88:123) and the Atlanta Hawks (102:134). Since late January, they have lost 23 of their last 29 games, ranking 28th in the NBA in win percentage (17-51). Offensively, the Hornets are among the worst in the league, averaging just 105.7 points per game (28th). Their struggles have worsened with the absence of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, who combined for 46.5 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. Defensively, they have been just as bad, allowing at least 123 points in four straight games.
New York Knicks
The Knicks have played six games without Jalen Brunson but have managed well, winning three times, including a dominant victory over the Miami Heat (116:95). They did, however, stumble against the San Antonio Spurs (105:120), failing to recover from a poor start. The Knicks’ biggest strengths are their efficient shooting (48.8%, 4th in the NBA) and strong offensive production (116.6 points per game, 9th overall). They have also been impressive on the road, ranking 4th in the league in away win percentage (21-14).
Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks Prediction
The Charlotte Hornets are missing key players and have little motivation left this season, making another loss almost inevitable. The New York Knicks have taken care of weaker teams and have won six straight meetings against the Hornets. We’ll take the Knicks to win with a modest point spread.
