New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips for 2024 Emirates NBA Cup | Nov. 29

The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets resume their 2024 Emirates NBA Cup schedules on Friday with an East Group A showdown.

New York (10-8) will look to remain undefeated in NBA Cup play after starting 2-0. Conversely, Charlotte (6-12) is aiming for its first victory in the in-season tournament following its 0-2 start.

The Hornets enter Friday's contest with eight players on their injury report. That includes star point guard LaMelo Ball (calf) and forward Miles Bridges (knee), their first (31.1 points per game) and third-leading (16.0 ppg) scorers.

Ball and Bridges are among seven Charlotte players already ruled out, leaving the team disadvantaged as it attempts to snap its three-game losing streak. Thus, New York should have a prime opportunity to bounce back from Wednesday's 129-114 road loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets odds, preview and prediction

The New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets' clash is scheduled for 12 p.m. ET on Friday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

The contest will be broadcast on NBA TV, MSG and FDSSE. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and FuboTV.

Moneyline: Knicks (-340) vs Hornets (+270)

Spread: Knicks -8.0 (-110) vs Hornets +8.0 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o227.5 (-110) vs u227.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tipoff, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets preview

With Charlotte missing Ball and Bridges, sophomore wing Brandon Miller faces immense pressure to carry his squad offensively. Through 14 appearances, the 2023 No. 2 draft pick is averaging 19.9 ppg on 41.6% shooting. However, he will operate without Ball's playmaking (6.9 assists per game) for the first time this season.

The Hornets rank 26th in the NBA in offensive rating (109.1). So, with so many players injured, their offense will likely be tough to watch. On top of Miller, rookie forward Tidjane Salaun and wing Josh Green could receive increased scoring opportunities.

On the flip side, New York's star tandem of Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns (combined 51.8 ppg) has a golden opportunity against Charlotte's undermanned roster. The Knicks also have several proven complementary offensive options that could trouble the Hornets, including wings OG Anunoby (18.4 ppg) and Mikal Bridges (15.9 ppg).

New York ranks second in the league in offensive rating (122.1), so it should dominate the Hornets' 19th-ranked defense (113.9 defensive rating). Towns, in particular, appears poised to feast inside, as Charlotte is missing its two best centers, Mark Williams (foot) and Nick Richards (ribs).

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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets projected starting lineups

With the Knicks relatively close to full strength, their starting lineup should be as follows:

PG: Jalen Brunson SG: Mikal Bridges SF: Josh Hart PF: OG Anunoby C: Karl-Anthony Towns

Meanwhile, with the Hornets banged up across the board, their starting unit could be as follows:

PG: Vasilije Micic SG: Brandon Miller SF: Josh Green PF: Tidjane Salaun C: Taj Gibson

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets betting tips

Towns' points prop is 25.5. The four-time All-Star has scored 30-plus points in two of his last four outings. So, he should hit the over against the Hornets' shorthanded frontcourt.

Meanwhile, Miller's points prop is 22.5. The athletic three-level scorer has tallied 29-plus points in three of his last five contests. Thus, he appears well-positioned to hit the over as a primary scoring option against a Knicks team that ranks 24th in defensive rating (116.6).

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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

New York has a significant talent advantage over Charlotte, so it should cruise to a double-digit victory and cover the spread (-8.0).

However, despite both teams' below-average defenses, they appear unlikely to surpass their 227.5 over/under point total, as the Hornets lack established scoring threats.

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