NBA Game Preview: Charlotte Hornets (15-26) vs. Golden State Warriors (23-19)

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The Charlotte Hornets hit the road to face the Golden State Warriors in a cross-conference tilt at Chase Center, where the Warriors aim to extend their recent dominance over Charlotte amid a push for playoff positioning in the West. Golden State enters on a two-game win streak with strong home form, while the Hornets, fresh off a road upset over the Lakers, look to build momentum despite injuries thinning their backcourt. Expect a high-tempo game with star guards LaMelo Ball and Stephen Curry potentially trading buckets, but Golden State’s depth and defense could prove decisive.

Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA

Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 PM ET (5:30 PM PT local time; broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network – Southeast, NBC Sports Bay Area, and NBA League Pass)

Recent Team Forms

The Warriors have surged with a 7-3 mark in their last 10, showcasing balanced scoring and defense, while the Hornets sit at 4-6, relying on sporadic outbursts but struggling with consistency.

Charlotte Hornets Last 10 Games (4-6 record, averaging 116.5 PPG scored, 114.7 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026@ LALW 135-117135 PTS, 52% FG
1/12/2026@ LACL 109-117109 PTS, 45% FG
1/10/2026@ UTAW 150-95150 PTS, 55% FG
1/8/2026vs INDL 112-114112 PTS, 47% FG
1/7/2026vs TORL 96-9796 PTS, 39% FG
1/5/2026@ OKCW 124-97124 PTS, 53% FG
1/3/2026@ CHIW 112-99112 PTS, 43% FG
1/1/2026vs MEML 102-120102 PTS, 41% FG
12/31/2025vs GSWL 125-132125 PTS, 50% FG
12/29/2025vs MINL 112-117112 PTS, 46% FG

Golden State Warriors Last 10 Games (7-3 record, averaging 118.4 PPG scored, 113.2 PPG allowed)

DateOpponentResultKey Stats
1/15/2026vs NYKW 126-113126 PTS, 51% FG
1/13/2026vs PORW 119-97119 PTS, 49% FG
1/11/2026@ ATLW 124-101124 PTS, 50% FG
1/9/2026@ MEML 116-117116 PTS, 48% FG
1/7/2026vs DENW 129-94129 PTS, 52% FG
1/5/2026vs SACW 118-107118 PTS, 47% FG
1/3/2026@ PHXW 108-105108 PTS, 44% FG
1/2/2026vs OKCL 94-13194 PTS, 36% FG
12/31/2025@ CHAW 132-125132 PTS, 55% FG
12/29/2025@ BKNW 120-107120 PTS, 53% FG

Injury Report

Injuries could limit both teams’ guard rotations, with Charlotte’s backcourt depth tested and Golden State missing wing options.

Charlotte Hornets

Questionable: Moussa Diabate (groin), Collin Sexton (undisclosed)

Out: Mason Plumlee (groin)

No other major injuries reported

Golden State Warriors

Out: Gui Santos (left ankle sprain), Seth Curry (left sciatic nerve irritation)

No other major injuries reported

Key Player Matchups

Spotlight falls on dynamic guards and versatile forwards, with Golden State’s experience potentially overwhelming Charlotte’s youth.

LaMelo Ball (CHA) vs. Stephen Curry (GSW): Explosive scorers and playmakers; Ball’s flair meets Curry’s shooting prowess in a high-scoring duel.

Brandon Miller (CHA) vs. Jimmy Butler (GSW): Miller’s emerging scoring vs. Butler’s two-way intensity; rebounding and defense will be crucial.

Miles Bridges (CHA) vs. Draymond Green (GSW): Athletic forwards battling in the paint; Green’s IQ could neutralize Bridges’ explosiveness.

Overall Edge: Warriors’ veteran core and home advantage provide the upper hand, but Hornets’ guards could exploit if Curry is contained.

Series History

Golden State holds the edge historically and recently, riding a hot streak against Charlotte.

All-Time Record: Warriors lead 38-33 in 71 regular-season games

Recent Meetings: Warriors won the last on 12/31/2025 (132-125)

In the last 5 games: Warriors 5-0 (average score: GSW 121.6, CHA 111.8)

At Chase Center: Warriors have won 6 of the last 8 home games vs. Hornets

Betting Trends

ATS Trends:

Hornets: 24-17-0 ATS overall; 7-3 ATS in last 10 games

Warriors: 19-22-1 ATS overall; 3-2 ATS in last 5 games

O/U Trends:

Over in 21 of 41 games (51.2%); Over in 6 of last 10

Warriors: Over in 22 of 42 games (52.4%); Over in 7 of last 10 home games

Game Odds

Charlotte Hornets                            232.5

Golden State Warriors                   – 6.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 16, 2026