The New York Knicks, fortified by their elite defense and Jalen Brunson’s scoring prowess, host a scrappy but struggling Charlotte Hornets team at the iconic Madison Square Garden. With the Knicks eyeing a top-3 seed in the East, this matchup offers a chance to extend their home dominance against a Hornets squad hampered by injuries and offensive stagnation. Charlotte’s young core, led by LaMelo Ball, seeks an upset to ignite a turnaround, but New York’s length and physicality could stifle the Hornets’ transition game in this Atlantic Division rivalry clash.
Game Details
Tipoff: 7:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, New York (home of the Knicks; capacity ~19,800; legendary for its storied atmosphere and celebrity-filled courtside during prime-time games)
Broadcast: FanDuel Sports Network Carolinas (FDSC), MSG Network; streaming available on NBA League Pass
Team Records
| Team | Overall Record | Home/Road Split | Division Standing |
| Charlotte Hornets | 6-15 | 4-7 / 2-8 | 4th in Southeast |
| New York Knicks | 13-6 | 8-2 / 5-4 | 2nd in Atlantic |
The Hornets lag 8.5 games behind Southeast leader Orlando, while the Knicks trail Boston by just 2.0 games in the Atlantic, emphasizing New York’s strong positioning.
Recent Team Forms
New York’s consistency meets Charlotte’s desperation, with the Knicks thriving at home (8-2 SU) against the Hornets’ road futility (2-8 SU). The Knicks rank 2nd in defensive rating (106.8 allowed), while Charlotte sits 26th in offensive efficiency (109.4).
Charlotte Hornets (2-8 in last 10; L2 streak):
The Hornets stumbled 118-112 at Miami on Dec. 1, following a 124-115 loss to Atlanta (Nov. 29), underscoring rebounding deficiencies (42.1 RPG, 27th). Over their last 10, they’ve averaged 110.6 PPG while allowing 118.4, with Ball’s playmaking (8.2 APG) offset by turnover woes (15.4 per game). A 105-98 upset win over Cleveland (Nov. 24) stands out, but losses to Indiana (122-110) and Washington (116-108) reveal paint vulnerabilities (52.8 paint PPG allowed). Key stat: Hornets rank 24th in three-point percentage (33.2%).
New York Knicks (7-3 in last 10; W1 streak):
The Knicks grinded out a 112-108 home win over Toronto on Dec. 2, with Brunson dropping 34 points. Their last 10 average 114.2 PPG scored and 108.6 allowed, anchored by elite rebounding (46.8 RPG, 4th) and low turnovers (12.1 per game). Highlights include a 120-109 road victory at Philadelphia (Nov. 27) and 128-105 rout of Detroit (Nov. 22); the lone skid was a 115-110 loss at Milwaukee (Nov. 20). Key stat: Knicks rank 1st in opponent FG% (43.2%).
Injury Report
Injuries plague Charlotte’s depth, particularly in the frontcourt, while New York manages minor ailments with key pieces available. Updates as of 4:00 p.m. ET.
Charlotte Hornets:
| Player | Position | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
| Brandon Miller | F | Out | Dec. 10 | Right wrist sprain |
| Mark Williams | C | Out | Dec. 15 | Back contusion |
| Josh Green | G/F | Out | Dec. 7 | Ankle sprain |
| Nick Richards | C | Questionable | N/A | Knee (50/50) |
| LaMelo Ball | G | Probable | N/A | Ankle management (expected to play) |
Miller’s absence (18.5 PPG) hampers spacing; Williams’ rebounding void (9.2 RPG) exposes the paint.
New York Knicks:
| Player | Position | Status | Estimated Return | Notes |
| OG Anunoby | F | Out | Dec. 8 | Elbow strain |
| Mitchell Robinson | C | Out | Jan. 10 | Ankle surgery recovery |
| Jericho Sims | C | Out | Dec. 12 | Shoulder injury |
| Miles McBride | G | Probable | N/A | Illness (expected to play) |
Anunoby’s defensive versatility (1.4 SPG) is missed, but Robinson’s extended timeline doesn’t impact this game.
Key Player Matchups
New York’s physical wings challenge Charlotte’s guards, with rebounding battles key in a low-possession grinder.
LaMelo Ball (CHA, 24.8 PPG, 8.2 APG) vs. Jalen Brunson (NYK, 28.1 PPG): Ball’s flashy passes (1.8 SPG) meet Brunson’s mid-range efficiency (49% FG); Brunson averages 30.2 vs. CHA last 3, forcing Ball into tough isos. Edge: Brunson.
Miles Bridges (CHA, 21.0 PPG, 7.4 RPG) vs. Mikal Bridges (NYK, 19.5 PPG, 4.1 SPG): Bridges’ athleticism in transition vs. Mikal’s length (blocks CHA’s drives at 1.2 BPG vs. forwards). Edge: Mikal Bridges.
Vasilije Micić (CHA, 15.2 PPG off bench) vs. Donte DiVincenzo (NYK, 16.8 PPG, 39% 3PT): Micić’s scoring punch tests DiVincenzo’s perimeter D; Knicks’ bench edges with shooting volume. Edge: DiVincenzo.
Other watches: Julius Randle (NYK) vs. Charlotte’s frontcourt; Ball’s volume in pick-and-rolls.
Series History
New York dominates the all-time series (148-112 regular season), including a 7-3 mark over the last 10 meetings. The Knicks’ latest win was a 123-107 home blowout on Mar. 15, 2025 (Brunson: 31 PTS). Charlotte’s most recent victory: 109-98 on Jan. 22, 2025, at home. At MSG, the Knicks are 78-52 all-time vs. CHA and 6-1 in the last seven home games. Average score in last 10: Knicks 115.6, Hornets 106.4. New York is 9-1 SU in their last 10 vs. Charlotte.
Betting Trends
| NYK 8-2 SU at home; CHA 2-8 SU on road. Public 78% on NYK. |
| NYK 12-7 ATS (7-3 as 10+ favs); CHA 10-11 ATS (6-4 as dogs). |
| CHA 9-12 O (avg total 229.0); NYK 8-11 (avg 223.4). 4-6 U in last 10 H2H. |
Additional trends: Knicks 6-4 ATS in last 10; Hornets 3-7 SU in last 10 but 5-5 ATS as road dogs.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 235.5
New York Knicks – 8.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 2, 2025
