Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions March 12th 2025

Hawks vs. Hornets: Hot Streaks Collide in Pivotal Eastern Conference Matchup

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are both riding momentum as they prepare to face off on Wednesday in Atlanta. While the Hornets remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings, their recent performances suggest they’re capable of pulling off surprises—just like their stunning 105-102 win over the Miami Heat on Monday. Meanwhile, the Hawks continue their push for playoff positioning after a 132-123 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, marking their third consecutive win.

With both teams on a roll, this matchup promises to be an intense battle.

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Atlanta Hawks: Playoff Push and Roster Adjustments

The Hawks currently hold the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 1.5-game lead over Orlando and Miami for the top spot in the Play-In Tournament. Atlanta has won four of their last five games and will look to maintain their edge at home.

However, closing out games has been a lingering issue. Despite leading Philadelphia by 22 points in the second half, the Hawks allowed the Sixers to cut the deficit to five in the final minute before securing the win. Veteran forward Georges Niang acknowledged the issue:

“We can’t do stuff like that. We’ve got to build good habits and clean that up. But a win is a win, and we’ll continue to take advantage of playing at home.”

Another key storyline is the integration of new acquisitions after the trade deadline, including Niang, Caris LeVert, and Terance Mann. The Hawks are also developing young talents like Zaccharie Risacher, Mouhamed Gueye, Dominick Barlow, and Keaton Wallace, which adds another layer of complexity as they fine-tune their playoff-ready rotation.

Injury Watch: Will Trae Young and Caris LeVert Return?

Atlanta’s leading scorer, Trae Young (quad contusion), and key reserve Caris LeVert (sprained finger) both missed the win over Philadelphia. Their availability against Charlotte could be a deciding factor in the game.

Charlotte Hornets: Miles Bridges Leading the Charge

Despite being second-to-last in the East, the Hornets have won two straight games, including an impressive comeback against Miami. Charlotte trailed by 17 points but used a 14-0 third-quarter run and a 10-0 fourth-quarter burst to stun the Heat.

The Hornets’ offensive spark has come from Miles Bridges, who scored 35 points, including five 3-pointers, in the win. Bridges has been on fire, recording three 30+ point performances in his last five games, including a 46-point explosion against Cleveland.

“During tough times and crunch times, I like to show up,” Bridges said. “Once I started driving, that kind of got me going.”

LaMelo Ball’s Impact Against the Hawks

LaMelo Ball has also been a consistent force, averaging 25.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 7.0 assists this season. He has historically performed well against the Hawks, averaging 21.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 8.2 assists in nine career matchups.

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Head-to-Head Matchup: Hawks Lead the Season Series

Atlanta has won both meetings against Charlotte this season, but both games were highly competitive:

• October 25 (Atlanta): Hawks 125, Hornets 120
• November 30 (Charlotte): Hawks 107, Hornets 104

The final matchup of the season will take place on March 18 in Charlotte.

Keys to Victory

Atlanta Hawks

✅ Close Out Games Efficiently: Avoid late-game collapses like the near-meltdown against Philadelphia.
✅ Seamless Team Chemistry: Continue integrating new players while maintaining consistency.
✅ Health of Key Players: If Trae Young and Caris LeVert return, their offensive contributions could make the difference.

Charlotte Hornets

✅ Miles Bridges’ Leadership: He must sustain his offensive production to give Charlotte a fighting chance.
✅ Defensive Intensity: Slowing down Atlanta’s high-powered offense will be crucial.
✅ LaMelo Ball’s Playmaking: His ability to control the game could disrupt the Hawks’ defensive schemes.

Final Thoughts

This matchup is a classic case of momentum vs. positioning. The Hawks are fighting for a secure playoff spot, while the Hornets are embracing the role of spoiler as they showcase their young talent.

With both teams coming off impressive wins, Wednesday’s game will test whether Atlanta’s depth and playoff experience can overcome Charlotte’s recent surge and resilience.