Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Picks and Predictions March 18th 2025

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks March 18th 2025

At 7:00 ET, the Hornets (17-50) will host the Hawks (32-36) at Spectrum Center. Charlotte is 14th in the East, while Atlanta is 7th. The Hawks are favored by 6.5, and the over/under line is 236.5.

This Southeast Division matchup will be shown on FDSS.

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Hawks vs. Hornets Key Information

• Sport: NBA
• Teams: Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets
• Where: Charlotte at Spectrum Center
• Date: Tuesday, March 18th
• Betting Odds ATL -6.5, ATL -244 | CHA +203 O/U 236.5

The Hawks Can Win If…

The Hawks fell to 32-36 on the season after a 122-114 road loss to the Nets on Sunday. Atlanta, favored by 6.5 points, not only lost the game but also failed to cover the spread. The combined score of 236 points exceeded the O/U line of 227.5 by 8.5 points.

Atlanta looked strong after a 10-0 run, stretching their lead from 54-51 to 64-51. However, they couldn’t hold on, as Brooklyn outscored them 35-30 in the 3rd quarter and 31-22 in the 4th, taking control of the game down the stretch.

In the Hawks’ 122-114 loss to the Nets, Trae Young led the way with 28 points and 12 assists, hitting 3 threes at a 60% rate. Onyeka Okongwu added 21 points and 15 rebounds, shooting 63.6% from the field.

As a team, the Hawks shot 46.7% from the field, but struggled from beyond the arc, making just 11 threes at a 29.7% clip. Zaccharie Risacher contributed 16 points, with 9 coming in the 3rd quarter.

Defensively, the Hawks had a strong 2nd quarter, giving up just 23 points, but they struggled in the 1st and 3rd, allowing 33 and 35 points, respectively. Overall, they gave up 122 points on 47% shooting from the field.

The Hawks had trouble defending the three-point line, where the Nets hit 17 threes at a 48% clip. Atlanta also sent Brooklyn to the line 23 times, where they made 19 free throws. The Hawks finished with 28 defensive rebounds, while allowing 12 offensive boards.

• Across the Hawks last three road games, the team averaged 118 points per game while allowing 127. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-2, while going 1-2 straight-up.
• The Hawks have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 4-1 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
• Over their last five games, the Hawks have an over/under record of 2-3 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Hornets Can Win If…

The Hornets fell to 17-50 on the season after a 123-88 road loss to the Clippers on Sunday. Charlotte entered the game as +13.5 point underdogs but failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 211, falling short of the 225-point over/under line.

Charlotte struggled throughout the game, falling behind 32-21 after the 1st quarter and 33-20 in the 2nd. By the start of the 4th, they trailed 95-62, and although they were more competitive in the final quarter, losing it 28-26, the damage had already been done.

In their 123-88 loss to the Clippers, the Hornets struggled offensively, shooting just 39.4% from the field and hitting only 6 threes at an 18.2% clip. Mark Williams led the way with 18 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists, shooting 60% from the floor.

LaMelo Ball added 16 points, though he connected on just 27.8% of his shots, including 2 threes at 25%. Nick Smith Jr. was the only other Hornet to score more than 8 points, finishing with 9.

The Hornets struggled defensively against the Clippers, giving up 123 points in the loss. Charlotte allowed 32 points in the 1st quarter and 33 in the 2nd, with the Clippers shooting 48% from the field overall.

From beyond the arc, the Clippers hit 13 threes at a 50% clip. The Hornets also sent them to the line 23 times, where they converted 20 free throws. Charlotte recorded 5 steals and 5 blocks in the game.

• In their last three games at home, the Hornets have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 1-2 vs. the spread. The team averaged 114 points per game in this stretch.
• The Hornets have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
• In their last five games, the Hornets have an over/under record of 1-3-1 and are 2-3 vs. the spread.

The Lean

For a point-spread wager in this Hawks vs. Hornets game, we suggest taking the Hornets at +6.5. Even though our predictions have the Hawks winning 94-91, we see the Hornets as the better choice on the point-spread.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 236.5, and our model projects the Hawks and Hornets to reach a combined total of 185 points. Our bet is on taking the under.

Hawks Seeking Defensive Improvement in Season Finale vs. Hornets

The Atlanta Hawks (32-36) look to rebound from a disappointing loss as they visit the Charlotte Hornets (17-50) on Tuesday night. Atlanta remains in the mix for a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference, but with a tough remaining schedule, winning against struggling teams like Charlotte is essential.

Atlanta has already won all three meetings this season against the Hornets and will aim to complete the season sweep while addressing defensive concerns. Meanwhile, Charlotte is focused on evaluating its young core in the final stretch of the season, with LaMelo Ball and Mark Williams leading the charge.

For bettors, the game presents an opportunity to assess whether Atlanta’s defensive struggles will continue or if they can lock down Charlotte for a crucial road win. Evaluating NBA Expert Picks for this matchup means looking at defensive execution and injury reports.

Hawks Need Defensive Reset After Costly Loss

Atlanta’s recent defensive struggles were on full display in Sunday’s 122-114 loss to Brooklyn, where they allowed 66 second-half points. Head coach Quin Snyder emphasized the lack of defensive stops as the primary issue, something the Hawks must address quickly to stay competitive in the playoff race.

Trae Young, listed as probable with an Achilles injury, will be crucial for Atlanta’s offense. He is averaging 29 points per game against Charlotte this season, including a 35-point outburst in last week’s 123-110 win over the Hornets.

The Hawks will also be without Caris LeVert (knee soreness), which could impact their perimeter defense. Atlanta has dropped three of its last four road games and sits at 15-18 away from home this season, making their defensive adjustments even more critical.

Hornets Evaluating Young Talent Down the Stretch

Charlotte has been out of playoff contention for some time but continues to use the final weeks to assess its young core. Despite a full roster of healthy players, the Hornets were overwhelmed in a 123-88 loss to the Clippers on Sunday, giving up 30-plus points in each of the first three quarters.

Mark Williams had one of his best performances of the season, posting 18 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists. LaMelo Ball, probable for this game with a wrist issue, has been inconsistent since returning from injury but remains a key playmaker.

Nick Smith Jr. is another player Charlotte is watching closely. While he scored 26 points against San Antonio last week, his production has been erratic, with single-digit outputs in his last two games. Coach Charles Lee has praised Smith’s defensive growth, but his offensive consistency remains a question mark.

Head-to-Head Season Series Analysis

Atlanta has controlled the season series, winning all three matchups:

• October 27: Hawks won by five
• November 25: Hawks won by three
• March 13: Hawks won 123-110

Young has been dominant in these matchups, averaging 29 points per game. Charlotte’s defense has struggled to contain him, and if he’s fully active, the Hawks should have a clear offensive advantage.

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Expert Prediction and Betting Insight

Atlanta’s defensive issues have been concerning, but Charlotte has been unable to capitalize in their previous meetings. The Hornets are playing for development rather than wins, while the Hawks are still fighting for playoff positioning.

If Young plays, Atlanta’s offense should be too much for Charlotte to handle. However, if the Hawks’ defensive struggles persist, the Hornets could keep the game close.

For bettors, the pace of play and Charlotte’s defensive effort will be key factors in determining total points and spread plays. Before making final wagers, check out our NBA Expert Picks for additional insights on this Eastern Conference matchup.