The New York Knicks (12-13) are currently riding high on a two-game winning streak with victories over the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Atlanta Hawks. Their opponents tonight, the Charlotte Hornets (7-18), have been considerably less fortunate and are currently on a three-game losing skid.
The Hornets have had a disastrous season for the most part and their recent losses to the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Clippers, and Brooklyn Nets have left them with well over double the amount of losses they have compared to wins. Needless to say, this is a must-win game for the ailing Hornets.
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets Match Details
Fixture: Knicks @ Hornets
Date & Time: Friday, December 9, 07:10 p.m. ET
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets Injury Report
On the Knicks' end, shooting guard Trevor Keels is questionable for tonight due to a groin strain. Power forward Obi Toppin is out due to a knee injury. Point guard Ryan Arcidiacono is out due to an ankle injury.
On the Hornets' front, small forwards Cody Martin and Gordon Hayward are both out due to knee and shoulder injuries, respectively. Point guards LaMelo Ball and Dennis Smith Jr., and center Mark Williams are all out due to ankle injuries.
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Odds & Spreads
Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets Starting 5s
Knicks - PG: Jalen Brunson, SG: Quentin Grimes, SF: RJ Barrett, PF: Julius Randle, C: Mitchell Robinson
Hornets - PG: Terry Rozier, SG: Kelly Oubre, SF: Jalen McDaniels, PF: PJ Washington, C: Mason Plumlee
Knicks vs. Hornets Prediction
The Knicks have had a hit-and-miss season for the most part, but they appear to be finding their groove based on their current winning streak. Julius Randle in particular has shone lately, boasting the best points-scoring on the team in their most recent game. While they haven't been phenomenal this season, and their defense is sometimes scattershot, they look much stronger than their opponents tonight.
The Hornets are in dire straits at this point. While the likes of Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. have looked sharp on offense, the team has floundered when it comes to defense. The defense issue has cost the Hornets time and time again this season. With the Knicks playing strong of late, it's highly likely the Hornets come unstuck once again.
Prediction: Knicks -4 (-105)
Bet $5+ on any sport pre-game ML, Get $150 If Your Bet Wins
Charlotte Hornets Fan? Check out the latest Charlotte Hornets Depth Chart, schedule, and roster updates all in one place.