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Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Odds, Injury Report, Prediction

By Evan Birchmore

Mar 23, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward center Mason Plumlee (24) and New York Knicks center Jericho Sims (45) tip off the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 23, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets forward center Mason Plumlee (24) and New York Knicks center Jericho Sims (45) tip off the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets are in the Big Apple tonight for a midweek matchup with the New York Knicks in a battle of teams with identical 2-1 records.

Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Odds and Moneyline (FanDuel)

Point Spread: Knicks -7.5

Money line: Knicks -320 / Hornets +260

Over-under: 226

Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Injury Report

Hornets: Terry Rozier (right ankle sprain) and Cody Martin (left quad soreness) are DOUBTFUL. LaMelo Ball (left ankle sprain) is OUT.

Knicks: Quentin Grimes (foot) is OUT.

Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Key Statistic

The Knicks are committing an average of 25.3 fouls per game so far this season, the most of any team. Meanwhile, the Hornets have been fouled just 18 times per game, tied with the Milwaukee Bucks for the fewest per game.

Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Key Matchup

Dennis Smith Jr. vs. Jalen Brunson

Dennis Smith Jr. has enjoyed a solid start to the season, posting averages of 13.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 2.3 steals per game in 26 minutes per night. Always a serviceable defender, Smith Jr. currently has an individual defensive rating of 105.9, good for second-best on the team behind Kelly Oubre. He has also drastically improved his shooting, as his field goal percentage (56.7%), three-point field goal percentage (71.4%), and free throw percentage (100%) are all above his career averages coming into the season (40.2/31.2/65.2). With Ball, Rozier, and Martin all projected to miss this contest, Smith Jr. will need to have another solid performance for the Hornets to get the win.

Jalen Brunson has also gotten off to a strong start, averaging 17.7 points and 7.0 assists while shooting 46.7% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range. Operating as the third option in the Knicks’ offense, Brunson haw provided positive early returns on the four-year, $104 million contract that he signed this offseason.

Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks: Prediction

The Hornets and Knicks have been comparable teams so far. Both enter this matchup at 2-1, with both having lost a close game against a Western Conference contender. The Hornets have a +32 point differential while the Knicks have a +34 point differential. The Hornets have a net rating of 10.4 while the Knicks have a net rating of 11.1. Charlotte has the advantage of two days’ rest compared to one for New York, but the Knicks have home court advantage.

While the Hornets were able to earn a road victory without Ball, Rozier, and Martin on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks, it will be difficult for them to do so again.

Final score prediction – Knicks 112, Hornets 106

What’s next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Friday, October 28th – at Orlando Magic (7:00 p.m. ET)

Note: Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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