The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets lock horns on Thursday for the third time. The Knicks lead the season series 2-0 with two more games left, so the upcoming contest is pivotal.
The Hornets weren’t as good in those two matchups on Nov. 26 and Dec. 3, but ahead of Thursday’s rematch, they are playing as well as any team in the NBA. Meanwhile, the Knicks are also in scorching hot form, making it an enticing game to look forward to.
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets Game Details
NBA TV will nationally televise the Knicks-Hornets game. MSG Network and FanDuel Sports Network Southeast will provide local coverage. NBA League Pass will stream the clash online globally. The game will begin at 7:00 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center.
Knicks vs. Hornets Preview
The New York Knicks are on a seven-game winning streak. They have produced the best offense in the league in that stretch with a 124.8 efficiency. With a 111.0 rating, the defense is top-eight. However, the Knicks have only faced opponents with a record under. 500. In their two previous games before the streak, they suffered successive losses against the Lakers and Clippers.
On the other hand, the Charlotte Hornets have won six of their last seven games. Their offense is top-four with a 122.3 rating and third defensively with a 106.5 rating. Charlotte has been on a hot streak from 3-point range, knocking down shots at a 42.1% clip. It’s making a league-high 19.1 3-pointers per contest in that span, 2.5 more than the Bucks, who are second with 16.6 made 3-pointers.
However, like the Knicks, the Hornets’ positive results have come against teams with a .500 or worse. Their only loss came against the San Antonio Spurs, who are second in the league.
Knicks vs. Hornets Betting Tips
Jalen Brunson is favored to score under 25.5 points.
LaMelo Ball is favored to make over 3.5 3-pointers.
Karl-Anthony Towns is favored to grab under 11.5 rebounds.
Knicks vs. Hornets Injury Reports
Knicks
The Knicks are without Miles McBride and Landry Shamet.
Hornets
The Hornets’ Pat Connaughton is questionable, while Tijdane Salaun is out.
Knicks vs. Hornets Starting Lineups
Knicks
PG – Jalen Brunson, SG – Mikal Bridges, SF – OG Anunoby, PF – Josh Hart, C – Karl-Anthony Towns
Hornets
PG – LaMelo Ball, SG – Kon Knueppel, SF – Brandon Miller, PF – Miles Bridges, C – Moussa Diabate
Knicks vs. Hornets Prediction
The Knicks are marginal 1.5-point favorites to win. They have the more talented roster and the head-to-head advantage. The Hornets can still cause an upset, given their recent form and hot shooting.
