Alarm bells are ringing for the New York Knicks with Jalen Brunson still out and some erratic recent play, but a visit to the Charlotte Hornets tonight feels like the perfect medicine.
Charlotte has lost seven of its last 10 games, and my Knicks vs. Hornets predictions call for a New York backlash here after a dismal outing last night.
My NBA picks dig into this March 20 battle, which has the potential to get out of hand in a hurry.
Knicks vs Hornets prediction
My best bet: Knicks -7.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
When the New York Knicks want to be taken seriously as title contenders, performances like last night’s clunker against the San Antonio Spurs are tough to stomach. But I’m banking on a bounceback effort from the Knicks tonight. If they took the Spurs lightly, there can be no excuse for making the same mistake again here.
Like San Antonio, the Charlotte Hornets are just playing out the string this season, and they should be no match for a locked-in New York squad. I’ll gladly lay the 7.5 points here.
The Knicks have won the last six meetings between these teams, covering the spread in five of those, and they clubbed the Hornets 125-101 at MSG in December.
This is also a wager on Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby shaking off anonymous outings last night. Stunningly, Karl-Anthony Towns was the only New York starter to make a basket against the Spurs in the opening 22 minutes, but I don’t see this leaky Charlotte defense offering that same kind of resistance. The Hornets have allowed 134 points in two of their last three contests, and LaMelo Ball’s expected return tonight isn’t likely to help on that end of the floor.
Sure, the Knicks’ offense hasn’t looked as slick without Jalen Brunson at the controls, but I prefer to trust New York’s solid 21-14 road record over Charlotte’s miserable 10-25 mark at Spectrum Center.
Knicks vs Hornets same-game parlay
Knicks -7.5
Karl-Anthony Towns Over 26.5 points
Josh Hart Over 6.5 assists
Towns was the lone Knick to really show up against the Spurs, pouring in 32 points on 11-for-21 shooting, and I’m predicting a similar stat line for KAT here. He’s knocked down 43% of his triples this month, and he dropped 27 points on the Hornets at MSG back in December.
Shot volume is a factor too, and Towns has racked up 59 field goal attempts across his last three games, in addition to 11 free throws. Look for him to be the focal point again tonight against an underwhelming Charlotte frontcourt.
Josh Hart was vocal about New York needing to move the ball more effectively after last night’s tough offensive outing, and I see him setting the tone as a playmaker here.
Hart’s ability as a connector is even more valuable while Brunson is sidelined, and he’s dished 7+ dimes in four straight games, including 11 assists against the Miami Heat on Monday. The do-it-all wing is averaging 38 mpg this month, and there’s no reason to expect Thibs to ease up now.
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Knicks vs Hornets odds
Knicks vs Hornets live odds
Knicks vs Hornets opening odds
- Spread: New York -8.5 (-110) | Charlotte +8.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: New York -380 | Charlotte +300
- Over/Under: Over 223.5 (-110) | Under 223.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Knicks vs Hornets spread and Over/Under analysis
- At 17-51, the Hornets are predictable underdogs in this spot, and they’ve only nailed the 1H moneyline in 17 of their past 81 games.
- The Knicks are 5-5 in their last 10 games, but Charlotte has dropped five of its last six at home.
- While the Over is 55-38 in New York’s last 93 contests, the Under is 7-3 for both teams in their last 10 games.
- The Hornets have cashed the team total Under in 34 of their last 52 outings.
Knicks vs Hornets trend
The Knicks have hit the 1H Under in 17 of their last 25 games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Hornets.
How to watch Knicks vs Hornets
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Thursday, 3-20-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-Southeast, MSG |
Knicks vs Hornets latest injuries
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