Jordan Poole and the Washington Wizards will try to snap their four-game losing streak tonight when they play LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets.
The Wizards have the worst record in the Eastern Conference (1-5) to start the regular season. Washington is coming off an 18-point loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Monday. Meanwhile, the Hornets have lost four out of their last five games, including a six-point loss to the Mavericks last weekend.
Can the Wizards capture their first road win on the season? Or will Ball and the Hornets snap their two-game home losing streak tonight?
Here are the odds and our best bet for Washington-Charlotte:
Wizards vs. Hornets odds, spread and total
Wizards vs. Hornets how to watch
- Date: Wednesday, Nov. 8
- Game Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
- Venue: Spectrum Center
- How to Watch (TV): NBA League Pass
- Wizards Record: 1-5
- Hornets Record: 2-4
Wizards vs. Hornets injury reports
Washington Wizards injury report
- No injuries to report
Charlotte Hornets injury report
- James Bouknight (out, knee)
- Miles Bridges (out, suspension)
- Cody Martin (out, knee)
- Frank Ntilikina (out, leg)
- Terry Rozier (out, groin)
Wizards vs. Hornets key players to watch
Washington Wizards
Jordan Poole: The 24-year-old Poole has fit in as a secondary scorer alongside Kyle Kuzma. The 6-foot-4 shooting guard scores 18.5 points per game on 43.6% shooting from the field and 33.3% from three-point range.
In Monday night’s loss to the Sixers, Poole poured in 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting from the field and 4-of-9 from behind the arc. He also dished out six assists. Washington will hope for another 20-point effort from Poole as they try to get that elusive first road win.
Deni Avdija: The third-year small forward has done a bit of everything on the floor for the Wizards this season, which has been a pleasure to watch for fans. Avdija is averaging 13.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game.
The former first-round pick had a solid performance against the Sixers, posting 16 points, five rebounds, and six assists. After only scoring 10 points per game in October, Avdija has boosted his scoring average to 17.3 points through the first three games in November. If he can fill in as that secondary facilitator and third scorer, it will help bring some consistency to Washington’s starting lineup.
Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball: Ball has not gotten off to a great start offensively, but that’s the risk you are willing to take because he can put up a triple-double any night. This season, the 22-year-old point guard is recording 17.2 points, 9.3 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game. His 9.3 assists are good for third in the NBA behind Trae Young (10.4) and Tyrese Haliburton (11.7).
While it’s great to see Ball getting his teammates involved, his shooting splits need to improve, as he’s shooting 34% from the field and 31.9% from three-point range. However, the good news for Ball is that it’s still early in the season, and the Wizards aren’t a great defensive team.
Mark Williams: The second-year center is off to a great start this season for Charlotte and is the big man they’ve needed to help solidify their frontcourt. Williams is almost averaging a double-double, dropping 14.7 points and 8.0 rebounds per game.
The former Duke standout is coming off his second double-double this season against Dallas, where he recorded 19 points and 10 rebounds. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Hornets try to get Williams involved in the game early as he battles with Daniel Gafford inside the low post.
Wizards vs. Hornets prediction and pick
If bettors are looking for an angle to attack for tonight’s game between the Wizards-Hornets, they should look to take the over on the total as both teams struggle defensively. This season, Washington is ranked 30th in scoring defense (128.7 points per game allowed), while Charlotte is not too far behind at 27th (121.7).
Both teams are also ranked within the top 5 in pace, with the Wizards leading the NBA at 106.4 and the Hornets at 103.1. Additionally, the OVER is 5-1 for Washington and 4-2 for Charlotte this season.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.