The Charlotte Hornets (20-28) face the Dallas Mavericks (19-28) in an interconference clash where the Hornets aim to continue their hot streak against a Mavericks team struggling with injuries and inconsistency. Charlotte enters on a four-game winning run, bolstered by improved defense and rookie contributions, while Dallas has dropped three of their last five, hampered by a depleted backcourt and frontcourt. The Hornets won the most recent head-to-head in January 2025, but Dallas’s home court could play a factor in this low-scoring affair. Storylines include the rookie matchup between Charlotte’s Kon Knueppel and Dallas’s Cooper Flagg, alongside how both teams manage key absences. Expect a gritty, defensive-minded game at American Airlines Center, with Charlotte’s momentum potentially tipping the scales for playoff positioning in the East and West.
Venue Location
American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas.
Tipoff is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT).
The game will be broadcast on FDSSE, KFAA, and WSOC 9, with radio coverage available.
Recent Team Forms
The Hornets are surging with a four-game win streak, focusing on balanced scoring and improved defense (holding opponents under 105 PPG recently). The Mavericks have been inconsistent, with defensive lapses allowing 116.5 PPG.
Charlotte Hornets (Last 10 Games: 6-4, Avg. 116.2 PPG)
Recent Streak: Won 4 straight.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 vs. IND: W (Extended streak).
Jan. 25 @ MEM: W.
Jan. 23 vs. DET: W.
Jan. 21 @ PHX: W.
Jan. 19 vs. SAC: L 117-130.
Strengths: Outscoring opponents by 5+ PPG recently; Efficient FG% (56.6% in last game).
Weaknesses: 11-15 on the road; Turnover-prone (14.9 TOPG).
Dallas Mavericks (Last 10 Games: 4-6, Avg. 115.0 PPG)
Recent Streak: Lost 1.
Key Results:
Jan. 27 vs. MIN: L.
Jan. 25 vs. DAL recent: Mixed, 5-5 in last 10 per trends.
Jan. 23 vs. DEN: L 100-102.
Jan. 21 vs. OKC: L 102-122.
Jan. 19 @ ATL: L 110-112.
Strengths: Strong in close games (5-5 in one-possession); Home scoring potential.
Weaknesses: Allowing 116.5 PPG (20th in league); Injuries impacting depth.
Injury Report
Injuries are a major factor, with both teams missing key bigs and guards, potentially leading to undersized lineups and increased reliance on rookies.
Charlotte Hornets:
OUT: Mason Plumlee (groin; expected return Feb. 19).
OUT: PJ Hall (G League – Two-Way).
OUT: Antonio Reeves (G League – Two-Way).
OUT: KJ Simpson (G League – Two-Way).
QUESTIONABLE: KJ Simpson (hip).
Dallas Mavericks:
OUT: Dereck Lively II (foot; out for season).
OUT: Kyrie Irving (knee).
OUT: Dante Exum (knee; out for season).
OUT: Moussa Cisse (G League – Two-Way).
OUT: Klay Thompson (knee soreness).
QUESTIONABLE: Cooper Flagg (ankle).
Key
Player Matchups
Expected starting lineups amid injuries:
Hornets: PG KJ Simpson (if available), SG LaMelo Ball, SF Kon Knueppel, PF Miles Bridges, C Mark Williams.
Mavericks: PG Luka Doncic, SG Max Christie, SF Cooper Flagg (if available), PF PJ Washington, C Daniel Gafford.
Key Matchups:
Kon Knueppel vs. Cooper Flagg: Rookie showdown; Knueppel’s shooting vs. Flagg’s defense (questionable status adds intrigue).
Mark Williams vs. Daniel Gafford: Battle in the paint; Williams’ rebounding tests Gafford’s rim protection.
LaMelo Ball vs. Luka Doncic: High-usage guards; Ball’s speed vs. Doncic’s playmaking could dictate pace.
Miles Bridges vs. PJ Washington: Athletic wings; Bridges’ scoring edge over Washington’s versatility.
Series History
All-time: Mavericks lead 45-24 in 69 regular-season games.
Recently: Hornets 4-3 in last 7 head-to-head.
This season:
Feb. 27, 2025: Mavericks 103-96.
Jan. 20, 2025: Hornets 110-105.
Betting Trends
ATS Trends: Hornets 28-20 ATS (strong as favorites); Mavericks 19-28-1 ATS (poor at home).
Hornets 5-5 ATS in one-possession games; Mavericks Over in 20 of last 30 home games.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets – 3.5
Dallas Mavericks 226.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Wednesday, January 28, 2026
