The Charlotte Hornets are off to a steady start in the post-LaMelo era, and they enter tonight's matchup against the Washington Wizards as 2.5-point favorites.
Washington is still waiting for a healthy AJ Dybantsa, leaving Trae Young and Anthony Davis to take center stage. My Wizards vs Hornets predictions expect the visitors' up-tempo style to help push this game Over the total.
My NBA picks break down the key trends and betting angles for this October 26 matchup, which tips off at 7 p.m. ET.
TOP PICK
Wizards vs Hornets prediction: Over 227.5
The Washington Wizards are built for shootouts. The Over went 47-35 in Washington's games last season, and now you add Trae Young, who boosts their offense while creating defensive concerns. That's a promising formula for a high-scoring matchup against a deep Charlotte Hornets team tonight, with the Over playable up to 228.5 or 53%.
Washington should be among the league leaders in pace this season, putting defenses on their heels and drawing fouls. Only the Chicago Bulls have attempted more free throws through the opening week of the season.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have been firing away from downtown through their first three games, ranking second in 3-point attempts per game (47.5). Brandon Miller is shooting just 30% from the field, but positive regression should be coming for the career 43% shooter.
COVERS INTEL: With Young running the show, the Wizards rank in the top five in pace (105.3), creating easier looks for their athletic wings. Saturday's 124-120 win in Chicago was a perfect example, with Washington attempting 94 field goals.
Wizards vs Hornets combo
Even with a fast-paced game script, I trust the Hornets more to get the key stops in crunch time. Charlotte was 16-6 SU as a home favorite last season, and despite Washington's new additions, it's hard to ignore the visitors' 6-35 SU road record last year.
The Hornets found another gear at Spectrum Center on Saturday, handling the physicality of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Meanwhile, Naz Reid's 3-point shooting should pull Anthony Davis away from the rim tonight. I also give Charles Lee the edge in the coaching matchup.
Miller finished with 34 points last time out despite his shooting struggles, and he scored 20+ points in all three meetings with the Wizards last season. Until Kon Knueppel and Coby White return from injury, Miller should continue to see the volume needed for another big night.
Wizards vs Hornets combo
- Over 227.5
- Hornets moneyline
- Brandon Miller Over 23.5 points
Wizards vs Hornets player props
Wizards player prop: Trae Young Over 9.5 assists
Young is off to a strong start as Washington's primary playmaker, averaging an NBA-best 11.3 assists per game through the first week. His passing has helped the Wizards rank in the top half of the league in scoring (118 PPG), and I'd play this prop up to 10.5 assists for a better price.
Young should have plenty of opportunities to run pick-and-roll actions and find Davis for lobs, especially against a Hornets team that surrendered 37 assists in last week's loss to the Atlanta Hawks. Surrounded by athletic wings, Young should keep this offense humming, even with AJ Dybantsa sidelined.
Hornets player prop: Moussa Diabate Under 8.5 rebounds
Moussa Diabate will have his hands full against Davis, and foul trouble is always a concern for Charlotte's physical big man. Diabate has fallen short of this number in all three games this season (7.0 RPG), while Reid's arrival in the starting lineup has also cut into his rebounding opportunities.
Davis isn't the only Washington player who could cause problems on the glass. Alex Sarr is another threat, while Justin Champagnie and Deandre Ayton provide rebounding off the bench. I'd fade Diabate here up to 53%.
- Top picks: 0-1, -1.0 units
- Combos: 0-1, -1.0 units
Wizards vs Hornets odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Spread: Wizards +2.5 | Hornets -2.5
- Over/Under: Over 227.5 | Under 227.5
- Moneyline: Wizards 43% | Hornets 58%
For the full slate of NBA matchups, check out our NBA odds board!
Wizards vs Hornets trend
The Hornets were a league-best 50-34 ATS last season. Find more NBA betting trends.
How to watch Wizards vs Hornets
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Monday, Oct. 26, 2026 |
| Tipoff | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | MNMT, League Pass |
Wizards vs Hornets latest injuries
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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