The Wizards and Hornets both enter Monday at 2-1, but Washington’s available personnel make the road underdog worth a look. Charlotte remains without Coby White and Kon Knueppel, leaving two important holes in its offense against a Wizards team built around Trae Young and Anthony Davis. And this partnership has looked solid so far, with Washington sitting at 2-1 on the season. Washington is also shorthanded, with No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa still awaiting his debut because of an ankle injury.
The teams meet Monday, October 26, at Spectrum Center at 7 p.m. ET. Charlotte is favored by 2.5 points, with Washington priced at -118 to cover. The Hornets swept last season’s four meetings, but this Wizards team is different.
Let’s break it down.
Washington Wizards at Charlotte Hornets preview, prediction
Washington’s offense already has multiple ways to get going. Davis opened the season with a massive double double, logging 34 points and 12 rebounds against Milwaukee. Trae Young has averaged 22.3 PPG and 11.3 APG through three games, threatening the possibility of leading the league in assists this season. Kyshawn George supplied 22 points and nine rebounds in Saturday’s 124-120 win over Chicago, giving the Wizards another scoring option when defenses turn their attention toward the two veterans. That victory against the Bulls wasn’t especially comfortable down the stretch, but Young and Davis combined to make all six of their late free throws to finish the job, even if Davis individually had an ugly game. Washington has scored 118.0 PPG while allowing 116.0, so there’s still plenty to clean up defensively. It should be possible due to the defensive talent that Washington boasts.
Charlotte’s offense has been harder to trust, but we haven’t really seen this team at full strength yet. Saturday still provided some encouragement. Brandon Miller scored 34 points in a 115-110 win over Miami after the Hornets lost their previous game by 47 against Atlanta. Naz Reid, shipped over from Minnesota, has been tremendous individually, averaging 20.0 PPG and 8.7 RPG while attempting at least 16 shots in every appearance. He is Probable tonight with an illness. Without White and Knueppel, Charlotte needs those two forwards to generate offense while Dennis Schroder handles the starting point guard duties. Grant Williams is also out with a hamstring injury, further limiting the rotation. Both teams rested Sunday, but Charlotte gets to remain home while Washington continues its road trip.
Wizards at Hornets pick, best bet
I like Washington’s options more in a close game, so I’d lean towards DC. Young and Davis give the Wizards a natural screening partnership that forces Charlotte’s big men to defend several decisions within the same possession. If the defense steps toward Young, Davis becomes a large target moving toward the basket who’s capable of snatching back for middies or passing out to punish help defenders. If it stays back, Young has room to work into his floater, his three, or finding a teammate. That doesn’t guarantee efficient offense every trip down the court, but there’s some serious potential here between this Young and Davis pairing. Giving Young a roll man like Anthony Davis opens up how well this offense can shine; Davis is no ordinary big man who’s just going to run and dunk.
The Hornets have less flexibility with two starters unavailable. Miller and Reid can certainly punish Washington if they get hot, but the Wizards’ projected lineup includes Davis, Alex Sarr, George, and Bilal Coulibaly around Young. They’ll have plenty of size to hide away Trae Young on defense. Reid’s ability to pull a big man away from the basket complicates that assignment, but the Wizards are well-equipped to handle that threat because they can roll out both Sarr and Davis as switchable, mobile rim-protectors.
Charlotte’s early offensive numbers support the concern, with an important caveat. The Hornets have scored 102.0 PPG, the second-lowest figure in NBAstuffer’s current table. However, their 81-point performance against Atlanta accounts for one-third of that sample. I’m not treating that game as their normal level, particularly after Miller’s response against Miami.
Washington has vulnerabilities, too. Toronto held the Wizards to 38% shooting and forced 20 turnovers Friday. Schroder can make Young work, and a productive shooting night from Charlotte’s forwards could undo Washington’s size advantage. Still, the Wizards have enough available creation and frontcourt options that they’ll have an easier path to covering this spread tonight.
