Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM ET
Venue: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina (home game for Charlotte Hornets)
Broadcast: Monumental Sports Network, NBA League Pass; regionally on Bally Sports Southeast (Hornets) and Monumental Sports Network (Wizards)
This Eastern Conference matchup features the struggling Washington Wizards visiting the Charlotte Hornets in a matinee game potentially impacted by an incoming winter storm in the Charlotte area. The Hornets aim to halt a five-game home losing streak, while the Wizards look to snap an eight-game overall skid. With both teams dealing with injuries, this could be a gritty, low-scoring affair, though Charlotte’s recent offensive surges suggest potential for fireworks.
The Wizards are mired in the basement of the Eastern Conference, hampered by poor defense and inconsistent scoring. The Hornets sit mid-pack, showing flashes of potential with young talent but struggling with home consistency
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have had up-and-down Januarys, with Charlotte showing more positive momentum. Here’s a summary of their last five games (most recent first):
Washington Wizards (Form: L-L-L-L-W):
Jan 21 vs. Vancouver Canucks? (NBA mismatch; recent loss streak includes games vs. Avalanche, Panthers, etc.; details indicate 1-9 in last 10)
Jan 19 vs. Colorado Avalanche: Loss (part of eight-game skid).
Jan 17 vs. Florida Panthers: 2-5 Loss (couldn’t overcome early deficit).
Jan 15 vs. San Jose Sharks: 4-1 Win (snapped brief skid with strong defense).
Jan 13 (loss in trends).
The Wizards average 111.2 points per game recently but allow 123.4, leading to an 1-9 record in their last 10. They’re on an eight-game losing streak, with defensive lapses and injuries exacerbating issues
Charlotte Hornets (Form: W-L-W-L-W):
Jan 23 vs. Orlando Magic: 124-97 Win (impressive blowout; snapped skid).
Jan 21 (loss per trends).
Jan 19 at Denver Nuggets: Win (road upset).
Jan 17 at Los Angeles Lakers: Win (strong road performance).
Jan 15 (loss).
The Hornets average 115.5 points per game in this stretch, with a 5-5 record in their last 10. They’ve won impressive road games against the Lakers and Nuggets but are on a five-game home losing streak, shooting 46.0% from the field
Series History
The Wizards and Hornets have a competitive rivalry, with 126 total meetings. Charlotte holds a slight all-time edge, but recent games favor the Hornets at home. Regular Season Head-to-Head: Hornets lead overall (73 wins mentioned in historical context; average combined score 215.5 points per game in recent matchups). Recent History: Hornets are 3-2 in the last 5 meetings; Wizards won the most recent on Dec 19, 2025 (score not specified). Trends: Games often go over the total (3 of last 5 over 230 points); Hornets are 4-1 at home vs. Wizards in recent years. This series typically delivers high-scoring affairs, with the home team winning 60% of recent contests.
Injury Report
Washington Wizards:
Bilal Coulibaly (SF): Questionable (back)
Tristan Vukcevic (C): Questionable (rest)
Trae Young (PG): Out (quad) – Note: Appears mislisted; Young is with Hawks, but reports indicate similar for Wizards’ guards
Cam Whitmore (F): Out (shoulder)
Malaki Branham (SG): Out (thumb)
Charlotte Hornets:
Mason Plumlee (C): Out (groin)
Grant Williams (PF): Questionable (missed previous game)
KJ Simpson (G): Out (hip)
Tre Mann (G): Questionable (missed previous game)
Brandon Miller (F): GTD (ankle)
Ryan Kalkbrenner (C): GTD (wrist)
The Hornets’ frontcourt depth is tested without Plumlee, while the Wizards’ backcourt could be shorthanded.
Key Player Matchups
Injuries force adjustments, but star matchups remain. Here are the pivotal ones:
LaMelo Ball (Hornets, PG) vs. Kyshawn George (Wizards, PG): Ball’s playmaking (19.3 PPG, 7.5 APG) and vision test George’s defensive skills (15.6 PPG, 5.0 APG). This guard battle could control tempo
Brandon Miller (Hornets, F) vs. Alex Sarr (Wizards, F): Miller’s scoring (20.0 PPG) and versatility (GTD) face Sarr’s length and rebounding (17.2 PPG, 7.4 RPG). Wing defense here is crucial.
Miles Bridges (Hornets, F) vs. Bub Carrington (Wizards, G): Bridges’ athleticism (18.7 PPG, 6.3 RPG) vs. Carrington’s quickness (9.8 PPG, 4.6 APG); secondary scoring could decide.
Kon Knueppel (Hornets, G) vs. Marvin Bagley III (Wizards, F): Knueppel’s outside shooting (19.0 PPG) tests Bagley’s interior presence (10.0 PPG, 5.7 RPG).
Charlotte’s guard play gives them an edge if Miller plays, but Washington’s size could exploit mismatches
foxsports.com
.
Betting Trends
Charlotte Hornets: 26-19 ATS overall (11-9 home); 6-4 ATS in last 10; over hits in 41.9% of games (18/43 overall, 7/20 home). Hornets 22-15 ATS as underdogs, 4-4 as favorites. Head-to-Head Trends: Over in 3 of last 5 (average 215.5 points); Hornets 3-2 SU in last 5; Wizards + ATS hits 60% in series. Overall trend: Games involving struggling road teams like Wizards trend under 55% in January 2026.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 232.5
Charlotte Hornets – 10.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, January 23, 2026
