Venue Location
Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. This 18,000-seat arena has been the Thunder’s home since 2008 and is renowned for its raucous crowd. OKC boasts an impressive 17-1 home record this season, making it one of the toughest venues in the NBA.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. local time). The game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast (FDSSE), FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (FDSOK), and NBA League Pass.
Recent Team Forms
The Thunder remain the NBA’s top team despite a recent stumble, while the Hornets are showing signs of life but struggle with consistency due to injuries.
Charlotte Hornets (Last 10 Games: 5-5): The Hornets snapped a three-game skid with a win but have been inconsistent, especially on the road (2-8 in last 10 away). They’ve improved defensively, holding opponents to under 110 in three of their last five. Key recent results:
W 112-99 @ CHI (Jan 3): Balanced attack with Miles Bridges’ 26 points and 14 rebounds.
L 122-121 @ MIL (Jan 2): Close loss despite LaMelo Ball’s 28 points and 8 assists.
L 132-125 vs. GSW (Dec 31): High-scoring defeat, allowing 50% from three.
Form streak: W-L-L-W-L. ATS: 9-3-1 in last 13. They’ve gone under in 6 of last 10.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Last 10 Games: 7-3): OKC had won four straight before a tough loss, dominating with elite defense (top-5 rating). They lead the league in steals and blocks. Key recent results:
L 108-105 @ PHX (Jan 4): Late 3-pointer doomed them; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 25.
W 131-94 @ GSW (Jan 2): Blowout with Chet Holmgren’s 15 points and 15 rebounds.
W 124-95 vs. POR (Dec 31): Efficient shooting (48.9%) and strong defense.
Form streak: L-W-W-W-W. ATS: 3-2 in last 5. They’ve gone over in 6 of last 10.
Injury Report
Injuries hit both teams hard, but OKC’s depth shines through while Charlotte’s frontcourt is depleted.
Charlotte Hornets:
OUT: Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow sprain) – Key rookie big; averages 8.2 PPG, 7.1 REB.
OUT: Mason Plumlee (groin surgery) – Veteran depth loss.
OUT: Grant Williams (knee surgery) – Out for season; 12.4 PPG last year.
QUESTIONABLE: Kon Knueppel (hip contusion) – Rookie guard; 11.3 PPG.
QUESTIONABLE: Moussa Diabate (wrist sprain) – Backup big; provides energy.
QUESTIONABLE: Tidjane Salaun (ankle sprain) – Wing depth.
PROBABLE: Brandon Miller (knee contusion) – Star forward; 18.4 PPG.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
OUT: Nikola Topic (groin/surgical recovery) – Rookie guard; limited impact.
OUT: Thomas Sorber (ACL tear) – Out for season.
OUT: Ousmane Dieng (calf strain) – Young forward; 6.7 PPG off bench.
OUT: Jaylin Williams (heel bursitis) – Backup big; 7.8 PPG, 6.2 REB.
OUT: Isaiah Hartenstein (soleus strain) – Starting center; 9.5 PPG, 8.3 REB.
The Thunder’s report is not fully submitted, but no new major issues; fatigue from back-to-back could play a role.
Player Matchups
This game pits OKC’s elite defense against Charlotte’s guard-heavy offense. With injuries, mismatches favor the Thunder, especially inside.
LaMelo Ball (CHA) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC): Ball (24.8 PPG, 8.4 AST, 5.3 REB) is Charlotte’s engine, but SGA (31.9 PPG, 6.4 AST, 1.5 STL) is an MVP candidate with elite efficiency (55.4% FG). SGA’s defense could force Ball into turnovers. Edge: SGA; expect him to exploit switches for 30+ points.
Miles Bridges (CHA) vs. Jalen Williams (OKC): Bridges (20.1 PPG, 7.5 REB) brings athleticism, fresh off a 26-14 double-double. Williams (19.2 PPG, 5.8 REB) is versatile and efficient (52.3% FG). With Charlotte’s bigs hurt, Bridges may guard Chet Holmgren at times. Edge: Williams; his two-way play limits Bridges under 20.
Brandon Miller (CHA) vs. Luguentz Dort (OKC): Miller (18.4 PPG, 42.1% 3PT) is probable and a scoring threat. Dort (10.2 PPG, elite defender) locks up wings, holding opponents to 38% shooting. Edge: Dort; could hold Miller to inefficient shots.
Other Key Watches: Chet Holmgren (OKC, 18.2 PPG, 8.3 REB, 1.8 BLK) vs. PJ Hall/Moussa Diabate (CHA)—Holmgren should feast inside with Charlotte’s depleted frontcourt. Ajay Mitchell (OKC, 13.9 PPG) could exploit Charlotte’s perimeter defense.
Series History
All-time regular-season series: Thunder lead 46-23 over 69 games. OKC has dominated lately, winning the last 5 meetings. Key recent games:
Nov 15, 2025: OKC 109-96 @ CHA (Thunder covered -8).
Mar 21, 2025: OKC 141-106 vs. CHA (Blowout; over hit).
Dec 28, 2024: OKC 106-94 @ CHA (Under; Thunder covered -10).
Average margin in last 5: Thunder by 16.0 points. OKC is 5-0 ATS in this stretch, with 3 overs.
No playoff history between these franchises.
Betting Trends
Spread: OKC is 19-17 ATS overall (9-4 as 15.5+ favorites), 11-8 ATS at home. Hornets are 20-15 ATS (9-3-1 last 13), including 3-1 as double-digit underdogs.
Over/Under: OKC games hit over 50% (18-18); Hornets 40% (14-21). Last 5 head-to-head: 3-2 to over, averaging 230.8 points. Recent trends: Hornets 6-4 under last 10; Thunder 6-4 over.
ATS Trends: Thunder 9-4 ATS as big favorites; Hornets 3-1 ATS as 15+ dogs. OKC 3-2 ATS last 5 home.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 233.5
Oklahoma City Thunder – 15.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 4, 2026
