The New Orleans Pelicans face the Chicago Bulls in an Eastern-Western interconference matchup on New Year’s Eve, with the Pelicans looking to snap a four-game losing streak against a Bulls team dealing with significant injuries after a recent blowout loss. Despite their poor overall record, the Pelicans have shown flashes of competitiveness in recent games, while the Bulls’ home advantage at United Center could be key in a game that might hinge on bench production and defensive stops.

Venue Location

United Center, Chicago, Illinois. This iconic 20,917-capacity arena, home to the Bulls since 1994, is known for its electric atmosphere during holiday games and features modern amenities following recent renovations.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 PM ET (6:00 PM CT). The game will be broadcast on CHSN (Bulls feed), with streaming options on Pelicans+, NBA League Pass, and local networks.

Injury Report

Both teams are navigating injury challenges, with the Bulls particularly affected in the backcourt following their latest game, potentially impacting their playmaking and defense.

New Orleans Pelicans:

Jose Alvarado: Out (League Suspension)

Dejounte Murray: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Achilles; Rupture)

Herbert Jones: Questionable (Ankle)

Zion Williamson: Questionable (Injury Management)

Dickinson (unspecified): Out (per report)

The Pelicans’ backcourt is thinned without Murray, and Williamson’s status could dictate their interior scoring.

Chicago Bulls:

Zach Collins: Out (Injury/Illness – Right 1st Toe; Sprain)

Noa Essengue: Out (Injury/Illness – unspecified)

Josh Giddey: Out (Left Hamstring Strain; expected to miss at least a few weeks)

Coby White: Questionable (Departed recent game due to injury)

Larry Nance Jr.: Questionable (per prior reports)

The Bulls’ guard rotation takes a hit with Giddey sidelined and White’s status uncertain, forcing reliance on veterans like Nikola Vucevic for stability.

Key Player Matchups

This game could feature battles between emerging talents and veterans, with injuries shifting responsibilities and potentially creating mismatches.

Trey Murphy III (NOP) vs. Josh Giddey (CHI, if available) or Replacement: Murphy’s scoring lead (20.8 PPG) faces Giddey’s playmaking (20.1 PPG), but with Giddey out, the Bulls may turn to a committee, allowing Murphy to exploit perimeter gaps.

Zion Williamson (NOP, if available) vs. Nikola Vucevic (CHI): Williamson’s explosive drives and athleticism test Vucevic’s rebounding dominance (9.2 RPG). If Williamson sits, this shifts to a less dynamic matchup, but Vucevic remains crucial for Chicago’s interior defense.

Derik Queen (NOP) vs. Chicago’s Frontcourt: Queen’s rebounding (6.8 RPG) and assists (4.1 APG) could challenge the Bulls’ depleted lineup, especially if they struggle without key contributors.

Bench Battle: Pelicans’ Depth vs. Bulls’ Veterans: New Orleans’ reserves might capitalize on Chicago’s injuries, with players like Queen providing energy against Vucevic’s steady production.

Overall, the Pelicans’ offense (if healthy) could overwhelm Chicago’s shorthanded defense.

The Pelicans have struggled mightily this season, while the Bulls hover around .500 but have been inconsistent.

Recent Team Forms

The Pelicans have been competitive in spots but are on a skid, while the Bulls’ recent blowout loss highlights defensive vulnerabilities.

New Orleans Pelicans (Last 10 Games: 5-5)

Averaging ~110 PPG, allowing ~115 (+/- -5 margin)

Key wins: Close victories against weaker opponents, with efficient shooting around 47% FG in upsets.

Losses: Four straight, including defensive breakdowns; recent 0-1 on Dec 29.

Form: L-L-L-L-W (Alternating earlier, but current slide exposes injuries; Murphy averaging 20+ PPG lately).

Chicago Bulls (Last 10 Games: 5-5)

Averaging ~112 PPG, allowing ~118 (-6 margin recently)

Key wins: 112-103 vs. Milwaukee (Dec 27), strong home effort.

Losses: 136-101 rout by Minnesota (Dec 29), injuries to White and Giddey; allowing 130+ in defeats.

Form: L-W-L-W-L (Inconsistent, with Vucevic leading rebounds; poor road but solid home at 8-8).

Series History

The Bulls hold a slight all-time edge at 27-25 in 52 regular-season meetings, with Chicago winning 28 of 54 per some records. Recently, the Pelicans have split, but Chicago took a 112-103 win on Dec 27, 2025. In the last 5 games, the Bulls are 3-2. Matchups often feature high paint scoring, with overs hitting in recent encounters (e.g., 143+ points in prior games).

Betting Trends

Spread: Pelicans 7-3 ATS last 10; Bulls 5-5 ATS last 10.

Total Over/Under: Over in recent H2H; combined scoring high in paint-heavy games.

Other Trends: Bulls 5-0 SU in last 5 overall per some, but 8-8 ATS at home; Pelicans 5-5 SU last 10, strong ATS as underdogs but favored here due to Bulls’ injuries. Over in 4/5 Bulls games with defensive issues.

Game Odds

New Orleans Pelicans                    247.5

Chicago Bulls                                     – 1.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025

The Phoenix Suns continue their road trip against the Cleveland Cavaliers in an interconference battle on New Year’s Eve. The Suns, fourth in the Western Conference, ride a three-game road winning streak into Cleveland, where the seventh-seeded Cavs in the East aim to build on a recent impressive victory. This matchup showcases Phoenix’s star-powered offense against Cleveland’s balanced attack and home-court defense, with both teams vying for better positioning heading into 2026.

Venue Location

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio. This 19,432-capacity arena, opened in 1994 and renovated in 2019, is renowned for its passionate fans and has hosted numerous high-profile NBA events.

Tipoff is scheduled for 3:30 PM ET (12:30 PM PT). The game will be broadcast nationally on NBA TV, with local feeds on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio (Cavaliers) and Arizona Family 3TV (Suns), plus streaming on NBA League Pass.

Injury Report

Injuries could influence rotations, with both teams managing key absences but Cleveland hit harder in depth.

Phoenix Suns:

Grayson Allen: Doubtful (Injury/Illness – Right Knee Injury)

Ryan Dunn: Questionable (Undisclosed; could miss third straight game)

Jusuf Nurkic: Available (recently returned from minor issues)

The Suns’ backcourt depth is tested if Allen sits, but their big three (Durant, Booker, Beal) remain healthy.

Cleveland Cavaliers:

Chris Livingston: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Sam Merrill: Probable (Injury/Illness – Left Hip Soreness)

Larry Nance Jr.: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Calf Strain)

Max Strus: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Foot Stress Fracture)

Cleveland’s wing and bench options are thinned, potentially forcing more minutes for starters like Mobley and Allen.

Key Player Matchups

This game highlights offensive fireworks and defensive tests, with Phoenix’s scoring trio facing Cleveland’s guard-heavy lineup.

Kevin Durant (PHX) vs. Evan Mobley (CLE): Durant’s mid-range mastery and scoring (27 PPG) challenges Mobley’s elite defense (top-5 in blocks, versatile switching). Mobley’s length could limit Durant inside, but KD’s pull-up game opens the floor.

Devin Booker (PHX) vs. Donovan Mitchell (CLE): Booker’s crafty scoring (25 PPG, efficient from deep) meets Mitchell’s explosiveness (24 PPG, clutch plays). This guard duel could dictate pace, with both capable of 30+ point nights.

Bradley Beal (PHX) vs. Darius Garland (CLE): Beal’s veteran savvy (18 PPG) versus Garland’s playmaking (20 PPG, 7 APG). If Strus is out, Garland may shoulder more defensive load.

Frontcourt Battle: Jusuf Nurkic (PHX) vs. Jarrett Allen (CLE): Nurkic’s rebounding (10 RPG) clashes with Allen’s rim protection (11 RPG, 2 BPG). Cleveland’s bigs could exploit Phoenix’s occasional interior vulnerabilities.

Phoenix’s offense (115 PPG) edges Cleveland’s, but the Cavs’ home defense (allowing 110 PPG) favors them.

The Suns have climbed with better health, while the Cavs have been inconsistent but strong at home.

Recent Team Forms

Phoenix enters hot on the road, while Cleveland seeks consistency after a mixed stretch.

Phoenix Suns (Last 10 Games: 7-3)

Averaging 114.2 PPG, allowing 109.8 (+4.4 margin)

Key wins: 115-101 at Washington (Dec 29), balanced attack; 108-105 at Minnesota (Dec 8), clutch defense.

Losses: Blowout 89-138 at OKC (Dec 10), exposing turnovers; earlier defensive lapses.

Form: W-W-W-L-W (Three straight road wins; Durant averaging 28 PPG recently, strong 47% FG efficiency).

Cleveland Cavaliers (Last 10 Games: 5-5)

Averaging 112.6 PPG, allowing 111.4 (+1.2 margin)

Key wins: Impressive road victory at San Antonio (Dec 29), big frontcourt dominance; 131-124 at Brooklyn (Oct 24, early season).

Losses: 119-111 at New York (Oct 22); recent home struggles vs. stronger East teams.

Form: W-L-W-L-W (Alternating, with Mitchell’s 25 PPG leading; solid rebounding at 46 RPG but perimeter defense issues).

Series History

The Suns lead the all-time series 72-51 in 123 regular-season games. Phoenix has won 4 of the last 6 meetings, including a 118-92 blowout on January 20, 2025, but Cleveland took the most recent, 123-112 on March 21, 2025. In the past 10 encounters, the Suns are 6-4. Games trend toward the over recently (5 of last 7), with averages around 225 points, though Cleveland’s home games vs. Phoenix often stay under 230.

Betting Trends

Spread: Cavs 5-5 ATS last 10; Suns 7-3 ATS on road streak.

Total Over/Under: Over in 6/10 Suns games; over in 5/7 recent H2H.

Other Trends: PHX 3-0 SU last 3 road; 6-4 ATS vs. East. CLE 2-3 SU last 5; 5-5 ATS at home; 2-3 ATS as favorites lately. Under in 7/10 Cavs home games.

Game Odds

Phoenix Suns                                     235.5

Cleveland Cavaliers                        – 5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025

The Orlando Magic travel to Indianapolis to face the struggling Indiana Pacers in an Eastern Conference matchup on New Year’s Eve. Orlando, holding the fifth spot in the East, aims to capitalize on Indiana’s league-worst record and nine-game losing streak, while the Pacers desperately seek a spark amid a season derailed by injuries. This game could highlight Orlando’s defensive identity against Indiana’s depleted roster, potentially widening the gap in the standings.

Venue Location

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, Indiana. This 18,165-capacity arena, renovated in 2021, has been the Pacers’ home since 1999 and features a modern design with strong fan support, though crowds have thinned during the team’s rough patch.

Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT). The afternoon tip-off is set for broadcast on FDSIN (Pacers feed), FDSFL (Magic feed), and NBA League Pass, making it accessible for holiday viewers.

Injury Report

Both teams are battling injuries, but Indiana’s extensive list has contributed to their dismal season, while Orlando’s issues are more manageable.

Orlando Magic:

Desmond Bane: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Back Spasms)

Goga Bitadze: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Knee)

Jonathan Isaac: Questionable (Undisclosed, per recent reports)

Jalen Suggs: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Left Hip Contusion; upgraded recently)

Colin Castleton: Out (G League – On Assignment)

Orlando’s frontcourt depth could be tested if Bitadze and Isaac sit, but core players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are healthy.

Indiana Pacers:

Tyrese Haliburton: Out (Injury/Illness – Torn Achilles; season-impacting)

Obi Toppin: Out (Injury/Illness – Foot Fracture)

Reggie Jackson: Out (Injury/Illness – Concussion)

T.J. McConnell: Probable (Injury/Illness – Left Ankle Sprain)

Additional depth issues: Multiple players sidelined, forcing reliance on 24 different starters this season

The Pacers’ absences of star playmakers and frontcourt pieces severely hamper their offense and defense.

Key Player Matchups

With Indiana shorthanded, Orlando’s young stars could dominate, but the Pacers’ remaining talent might create isolated opportunities.

Paolo Banchero (ORL) vs. Pascal Siakam (IND): Banchero’s scoring versatility (around 22 PPG) and physicality face Siakam’s experience (20 PPG, strong defense). Siakam’s length could challenge Banchero inside, but Orlando’s forward has the edge in athleticism.

Franz Wagner (ORL) vs. Bennedict Mathurin (IND): Wagner’s efficient scoring (21 PPG) meets Mathurin’s explosiveness (18 PPG). If Suggs is out, Wagner may handle more ballhandling, exploiting Indiana’s perimeter weaknesses.

Jalen Suggs (ORL, if available) vs. Andrew Nembhard (IND): Suggs’ defensive intensity (top in steals) versus Nembhard’s steady playmaking. With Haliburton out, Nembhard’s role grows, but Suggs could disrupt.

Bench Battle: Jonathan Isaac/Mo Wagner (ORL) vs. Myles Turner (IND): Orlando’s energy off the pine against Turner’s rim protection (2 BPG). Injuries could shift this to favor Orlando’s depth.

Orlando’s top-10 defense (allowing ~108 PPG) should stifle Indiana’s struggling offense.

Orlando has been competitive in the East, while Indiana owns the NBA’s worst record, a stark fall from their Finals appearance last season.

Recent Team Forms

Orlando has been inconsistent but shows flashes of playoff potential, while Indiana’s slide has them in rebuild mode.

Orlando Magic (Last 10 Games: 5-5)

Averaging 112.4 PPG, allowing 110.8 (+1.6 margin)

Key wins: Strong defensive outings like a recent victory over weaker East teams; efficient shooting at 47% FG.

Losses: Recent defeat at Toronto (Dec 29), exposing rebounding issues; turnovers in close games.

Form: L-W-L-W-L (Alternating results, with Banchero averaging 25+ PPG lately; solid road defense but offensive lulls).

Indiana Pacers (Last 10 Games: 1-9)

Averaging 110.8 PPG, allowing 119.4 (-8.6 margin)

Key wins: Rare upset earlier in December, but sparse.

Losses: Nine straight, including blowouts; allowing 119+ PPG during streak.

Form: L-L-L-L-L (Dismal, with poor efficiency at 43% FG; heavy reliance on Siakam for 20+ PPG amid injuries).

Series History

The Pacers lead the all-time series 73-57 in 130 regular-season games. However, Orlando has dominated recently, winning 3 of the last 4 meetings, including a 129-115 victory on April 11, 2025, and earlier wins in 2024. In the past 10 encounters, Indiana holds a 6-4 edge, but Orlando is 4-1 ATS in the last 5. Games often trend high-scoring, with the over hitting in 6 of the last 8, though Indiana’s home games vs. Orlando average under 220 points.

Betting Trends

Spread: Orlando 9-6 ATS when favored; Pacers 1-4 ATS last 5.

Total Over/Under: Over in 6/8 recent H2H; but under in 7/10 Pacers home games.

Other Trends: ORL 3-1 SU last 4 vs. IND; 12-3 SU when scoring 116+. IND 0-5 SU last 5; 6-9 ATS at home; 0-9 SU during current skid. Over in 4/5 Magic road games lately.

Game Odds

Orlando Magic                  – 3.5

Indiana Pacers                  226.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025

The Minnesota Timberwolves travel to face the Atlanta Hawks in an interconference clash on New Year’s Eve. The Wolves, third in the Northwest Division, aim to extend their strong recent play against a Hawks team mired in a seven-game skid and sitting 11th in the East. This matchup highlights Minnesota’s defensive prowess against Atlanta’s high-scoring but inconsistent offense, with potential playoff seeding on the line for both squads.

Venue Location

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, Georgia. This 16,888-seat venue, opened in 1999 and renovated in 2018, serves as the Hawks’ home and is known for its modern amenities and energetic crowds during holiday contests.

Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 PM ET (12:00 PM PT). The afternoon start time positions this as a matinee game, likely broadcast on NBA League Pass, Bally Sports Southeast, and FanDuel Sports Network North.

Injury Report

Injuries could play a significant role, particularly for the Hawks, who have been hampered by absences during their losing streak.

Minnesota Timberwolves:

Terrence Shannon Jr.: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Foot; Abductor Hallucis Strain)

Rocco Zikarsky: Out (G League – Two-Way)

The Wolves are relatively healthy, with their core rotation intact. Shannon’s absence impacts bench depth, but re-evaluation is set for two weeks.

Atlanta Hawks:

N’Faly Dante: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Knee; Torn ACL) – Season-ending surgery.

Eli John Ndiaye: Out (G League – Two-Way; also torn left labrum, out for season)

Nikola Djurisic: Questionable (G League – On Assignment)

Caleb Houstan: Questionable (G League – Two-Way)

Malik Williams: Questionable (G League – Two-Way)

Trae Young: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Right Quad; Contusion) – Day-to-day after missing recent games.

Jalen Johnson: Day-to-day (Illness) – Recently returned but status uncertain.

Kristaps Porzingis: Day-to-day (Illness) – Ruled out for prior game but expected to be monitored.

The Hawks’ depth is tested, especially in the frontcourt, but potential returns of Johnson and Porzingis could provide a boost.

Key Player Matchups

This game features compelling battles between star talent and defensive anchors, with Minnesota’s size potentially overwhelming Atlanta’s guards.

Anthony Edwards (MIN) vs. Trae Young (ATL): Edwards, averaging 26.5 PPG with explosive athleticism, faces Young’s elite playmaking (28 PPG, 11 APG). Young’s quad issue could limit his quickness, giving Edwards an edge in isolation scoring.

Rudy Gobert (MIN) vs. Kristaps Porzingis (ATL): Gobert’s rim protection (13 RPG, 2.5 BPG) clashes with Porzingis’ spacing (20 PPG, 8 RPG). If Porzingis plays through illness, his outside shooting could pull Gobert away from the paint.

Julius Randle (MIN) vs. Jalen Johnson (ATL): Randle’s physicality (22 PPG, 9 RPG) meets Johnson’s versatility (19 PPG, strong defense). Johnson’s potential return from illness adds intrigue to this forward duel.

Bench Battle: Naz Reid (MIN) vs. Onyeka Okongwu (ATL): Reid’s scoring punch off the pine versus Okongwu’s energy and rebounding (14 rebounds in recent game) could decide second-unit production.

Minnesota’s defensive rating (top-5 league-wide) favors them, but Atlanta’s home scoring (118 PPG) could exploit turnovers.

Recent Team Forms

Minnesota enters with momentum, while Atlanta is desperate to snap a slump.

Minnesota Timberwolves (Last 10 Games: 6-4)

Averaging 117.5 PPG, allowing 112.4 (+5.1 margin)

Key wins: 136-101 vs. Bulls (Dec 29), dominant defense; 115-104 vs. Knicks (Dec 23), Edwards’ 30+ points.

Losses: 123-107 vs. Nets (Dec 27), poor shooting; 142-138 OT vs. Nuggets (Dec 25), high-scoring affair.

Form: W-L-L-W-W-W-L-W-W-L (Strong home stretch, but road inconsistencies; elite rebounding at 48 RPG recently).

Atlanta Hawks (Last 10 Games: 2-8)

Averaging 118.5 PPG, allowing 128.3 (-9.8 margin)

Key wins: 120-117 vs. 76ers (Dec 15), Young’s triple-double; 131-116 vs. Wizards (Dec 7).

Losses: 140-129 vs. Thunder (Dec 30), defensive breakdowns; seven straight defeats, including 152-150 vs. Bulls (Dec 21).

Form: L-L-L-L-L-L-L-W-L-W (Dismal streak, poor defense allowing 130+ PPG; reliance on Young for 30+ PPG).

The Wolves’ +5.1 margin contrasts sharply with Atlanta’s defensive woes.

Series History

The Hawks hold a commanding all-time edge at 42-27 in 69 regular-season meetings. However, Minnesota has won the last two encounters, including 117-104 on Dec 23, 2024, and 109-106 on April 12, 2024. In the past 10 games, Atlanta leads 6-4. Games tend to be high-scoring lately, with the over hitting in 4 of the last 5. Atlanta’s last home win over Minnesota was Oct 30, 2023 (127-113).

Betting Trends

Spread: Wolves 6-4 ATS last 10; Hawks 1-4 ATS last 5.

Total Over/Under: Over in 6/10 Wolves games; over in 7/10 Hawks games, but unders in recent H2H.

Other Trends: MIN 6-4 SU last 10; 4-1 SU vs. East. ATL 0-7 SU last 7; 2-8 ATS last 10; 0-5 SU at home recently. Over in 4/5 recent series meetings.

Game Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves            – 5.5

Atlanta Hawks                                   244.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025

The Golden State Warriors head east to face the Charlotte Hornets in a cross-conference matchup on New Year’s Eve. The Warriors, sitting eighth in the Western Conference, look to build momentum on the road against a struggling Hornets squad that’s 12th in the East. This game pits Golden State’s veteran-laden roster against Charlotte’s young core, with implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations in a tightly packed standings landscape.

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, especially during holiday games.

Tipoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET (10:00 AM PT). The early afternoon tip-off allows for national exposure on a holiday, with broadcast details expected on NBA League Pass and local networks.

Injury Report

Both teams are dealing with key absences that could impact rotations and game plans.

Golden State Warriors:

LJ Cryer: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Seth Curry: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Sciatic Nerve Irritation)

Malevy Leons: Out (G League – Two-Way)

Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler are both expected to play after recent minor issues, but the absence of Seth Curry thins the bench scoring.

Charlotte Hornets:

Miles Bridges: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Right Ankle Sprain)

Pat Connaughton: Questionable (Injury/Illness – Left Ankle Soreness)

Ryan Kalkbrenner: Out (Injury/Illness – Left Elbow Sprain)

Kon Knueppel: Probable (Injury/Illness – Right Ankle Sprain)

Mason Plumlee: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Groin Strain)

Grant Williams: Out (Injury/Illness – Right Knee Surgery)

The Hornets’ frontcourt is particularly depleted, with multiple bigs sidelined. Rookie Kon Knueppel’s probable status is a boost, but Bridges’ potential absence would hurt their scoring punch.

Key Player Matchups

This game features intriguing battles across positions, highlighting experience versus youth.

Stephen Curry (GSW) vs. LaMelo Ball (CHA): Curry, averaging around 22 points and 6 assists this season, brings his elite shooting and off-ball movement against Ball’s flashy playmaking (20 PPG, high assists). Ball’s length could disrupt Curry, but the vet’s gravity opens lanes for teammates.

Jimmy Butler (GSW) vs. Brandon Miller (CHA): Butler’s two-way prowess (20 PPG, strong defense) faces Miller, who’s exploded for 31 PPG over the last 10 games. Miller’s scoring streak could test Butler’s veteran savvy.

Draymond Green (GSW) vs. Moussa Diabate (CHA): Green’s defensive IQ meets Diabate’s rebounding dominance (8.1 RPG). With Charlotte’s injuries, Diabate might see heavy minutes, but Green’s passing could exploit mismatches.

Bench Battle: Buddy Hield (GSW) vs. Collin Sexton (CHA): Hield’s shooting off the pine versus Sexton’s energy could swing momentum in second units.

These matchups favor Golden State’s depth, but Charlotte’s home energy could spark upsets.

The Warriors have hovered around .500, while the Hornets have struggled with consistency amid injuries.

Recent Team Forms

Both squads have been middling lately, but Golden State shows more positive margins.

Golden State Warriors (Last 10 Games: 6-4)

Averaging 118.3 PPG, allowing 111.6 ( +6.7 margin)

Key wins: 120-107 vs. Brooklyn Nets (Dec 29), strong defensive effort; earlier blowouts like 128-92 vs. Hornets (Feb 2025, but prior season).

Losses: 141-127 OT to Toronto (Dec ?), exposing rebounding issues.

Form: W-L-W-W-L (hot streak interrupted by close defeats; Curry and Butler combining for 48 PPG recently).

Charlotte Hornets (Last 10 Games: 5-5)

Averaging 114.4 PPG, allowing 114.1 (-0.3 margin)

Key wins: 120-105 vs. Orlando Magic (Dec 26), Ball’s 22-7-5 line; 126-109 vs. Washington (Dec ?).

Losses: 123-113 vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Dec 29), defensive lapses; ongoing struggles vs. West (1-7 this season).

Form: L-W-L-W-W (alternating, with strong rebounding at 45.4 RPG but poor fast-break defense).

statmuse.com +3

Golden State enters with better offensive efficiency, while Charlotte relies on home rebounding (44.7 RPG overall).

Series History

The Warriors hold a slight all-time edge at 37-33 in 70 regular-season meetings. Golden State has dominated recently, winning the last 5 straight, including a 119-101 victory on March 3, 2025, and a 128-92 blowout on February 25, 2025. In their last 10 encounters, the Warriors are 8-2. Historically, games in Charlotte trend low-scoring, with the under hitting in 9 of the last 9 Warriors road games vs. the Hornets. Charlotte’s last win over Golden State was October 29, 2022 (120-113 OT).

Betting Trends

Spread: Warriors cover often (4-0-1 ATS in last 5 vs. CHA; 5-1 ATS vs. East recently).

Total Over/Under: Historical matchups scream under (9/9 under in GSW road vs. CHA; 7/8 under in recent H2H; CHA under in 12/16 overall).

Other Trends: GSW 4-1 SU last 5; 5-0 SU last 5 vs. CHA. CHA 5-2 ATS last 7 but 0-5 SU vs. West; 0-7 ATS vs. Pacific Division. Over in 4/5 GSW games; under in 10/15 CHA home.

Game Odds

Golden State Warriors                   – 6.5

Charlotte Hornets                            233.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, December 30, 2025