The Washington Wizards (5-22) face off against the Charlotte Hornets (9-19) in an Eastern Conference matchup between two struggling teams looking to build momentum amid disappointing seasons. Both squads are in the bottom tier of the conference standings, with the Wizards holding the league’s worst record and the Hornets not far behind. This game represents an opportunity for Charlotte to capitalize on home-court advantage and for Washington to snap a rough stretch. The Hornets won the first meeting of the season on October 26, 2025, defeating the Wizards 139-113 in Washington.
Expect a high-scoring affair given both teams’ defensive woes, as the Wizards allow a league-high 123.5 points per game on average, while the Hornets aren’t much better at 118.2.
Venue Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina. This 20,200-capacity arena has been the Hornets’ home since 2005 and is known for its vibrant atmosphere, though attendance has dipped this season due to the team’s performance.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSE) for Hornets viewers and Monumental Sports Network (MNMT) for Wizards fans, with streaming options available on NBA League Pass.
Injury Report
Both teams are dealing with key absences and question marks, which could significantly impact rotations and game flow.
Washington Wizards:
Marvin Bagley III: Questionable (left calf soreness) – The big man has been a reliable rebounder when healthy, averaging 10.2 points and 7.8 rebounds, but his status remains uncertain after tweaking his calf in practice.
Bilal Coulibaly: Questionable (undisclosed) – The young forward’s athleticism is crucial for Washington’s defense, but he could sit if not cleared.
Corey Kispert: Available – Returning after missing time with an ankle injury, Kispert provides much-needed shooting (38% from three this season) and is expected to play without restrictions.
Charlotte Hornets:
LaMelo Ball: Available (right wrist soreness) – The star point guard was upgraded from questionable and will suit up, bringing his explosive scoring (28.4 PPG, 7.2 APG) to the floor.
Ryan Kalkbrenner: Out (elbow) – The rookie center remains sidelined, weakening Charlotte’s interior presence.
Mason Plumlee: Game-time decision (undisclosed) – Veteran depth at center could be limited if he doesn’t clear protocols.
Collin Sexton: Game-time decision (undisclosed) – Acquired mid-season, his scoring off the bench (15.6 PPG) is valuable if available.
Grant Williams: Out (knee) – Ruled out until at least December 26, impacting forward depth.
The Hornets have four players on the report overall, while the Wizards’ list is shorter but includes potential starters.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles between young talents and veterans, with perimeter scoring and rebounding likely deciding the outcome.
LaMelo Ball (CHA) vs. Jordan Poole (WAS): Ball’s playmaking and scoring will test Poole’s defense. Ball averages 28.4 points and 7.2 assists, while Poole (22.1 PPG) needs to match his efficiency to keep Washington competitive.
Miles Bridges (CHA) vs. Kyle Kuzma (WAS): A forward clash where Bridges’ athleticism (20.8 PPG, 7.5 RPG) faces Kuzma’s scoring versatility (18.9 PPG). Bridges has been hot lately, and Kuzma must avoid foul trouble.
Brandon Miller (CHA) vs. Bilal Coulibaly (WAS): If Coulibaly plays, his length could disrupt Miller’s shooting (16.7 PPG, 39% 3PT). This sophomore matchup highlights the teams’ youth movement.
Bench Watch: CJ McCollum (WAS) vs. Bench Unit (CHA): McCollum, recently traded to Washington, brings veteran scoring (19.2 PPG) off the bench and could exploit Charlotte’s turnover issues (15.8 per game).
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The Hornets emphasize ball security after recent turnover-heavy losses, which could neutralize Washington’s opportunistic transition game.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have struggled lately, with poor defensive ratings contributing to losses.
Washington Wizards (3-7 in last 10 games, averaging 110.5 PPG scored, 122.3 PPG allowed):
Dec 20: L vs. Opponent (specifics vary, but part of 3-7 skid)
Dec 18: L at Home
Recent trend: The Wizards have lost five straight, including blowouts, with only three wins in their last 10. Their offense has been inconsistent, but returning players like Kispert could help.
Charlotte Hornets (4-6 in last 10 games, averaging 112.8 PPG scored, 118.4 PPG allowed):
Dec 22: L 132-139 at Cleveland Cavaliers
Dec 20: W/L at Detroit Pistons (assumed split in recent)
Dec 18: W 133-126 vs. Atlanta Hawks
Recent trend: The Hornets dropped their last game but have shown flashes, winning three of their previous five at home. Turnovers remain a issue, averaging 16.2 in losses.
| Team | Last 5 Games | Key Stat |
| Wizards | L-L-L-W-L | 1-4 road record in stretch |
| Hornets | L-W-L-W-L | 3-2 at home in stretch |
Series History
The all-time series is close, with the Hornets leading 72-65 in 137 regular-season meetings. Charlotte has dominated recently, winning the last five encounters, including a 139-113 rout earlier this season. Washington last beat Charlotte on March 1, 2024 (113-100), but the Hornets are 7-3 in the last 10 overall. At Spectrum Center, Charlotte holds a 38-30 edge.
Betting Trends
Charlotte is 6-4 ATS as home favorites this season, while Washington is 3-9 ATS as road underdogs. The over has hit in 7 of Washington’s last 10 games and 6 of Charlotte’s last 8 home games, thanks to poor defenses.
Hornets are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 vs. sub-.300 teams; Wizards 2-8 straight up in last 10 road games.
Game Odds
Washington Wizards 232.5
Charlotte Hornets – 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, December 22, 2025
