Wizards vs. Hornets: Key Matchup as Struggling Teams Clash in Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Washington Wizards (7-41) and Charlotte Hornets (12-34) face off Monday night at Spectrum Center in a battle of struggling Eastern Conference teams. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with the Hornets favored by 5 points and the over/under set at 215.5 total points.

The Wizards snapped a 16-game losing streak with a narrow 105-103 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday. Forward Kyle Kuzma led the charge with a game-high 31 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Meanwhile, the Hornets are on a four-game skid, most recently falling 107-104 to the Denver Nuggets on Feb. 1.

Washington will be without guard Tyus Jones (ankle), while Charlotte faces multiple absences, including LaMelo Ball (ankle), Gordon Hayward (back), and Mark Williams (hernia). Despite their poor records, both teams feature standout performers. Wizards guard Jordan Poole, questionable with an illness, leads his team in scoring (20.7 points per game) and assists (4.8). Hornets forward Miles Bridges has been a consistent force, averaging 19.4 points and 7.7 rebounds.

The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, predicts the total points will exceed 215.5, projecting 217 combined points. The model also indicates one side of the spread hits in nearly 60% of simulations. Charlotte has covered or pushed in four of its last five games, while Washington has failed to cover six of its last eight.

This matchup marks the third meeting between the teams this season, with the Wizards holding a 2-0 series lead. Washington has won three straight against Charlotte overall. The Hornets, however, have shown defensive improvement recently, holding opponents to 107 or fewer points in four of their last six games.

For bettors, the Hornets are -204 on the money line, while the Wizards sit at +169. The game will be a test of resilience for both teams as they look to build momentum in the second half of the season.