Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Hornets Picks and Predictions October 25th 2024

Hawks vs Hornets October 25th 2024

At 7:30 ET, the Hornets will face off against the Hawks in an Eastern Southeast division matchup. The Hawks are favored by 5.5 points and have a moneyline of -207, while the Hornets are +175 on the moneyline and have a record of 1-0. The over/under line is set at 224.5.

This game will be played at State Farm Arena in Atlanta and can be seen on FDSS.

Hornets vs. Hawks Key Information

The Hornets started their season with a 110-105 win over the Rockets on Wednesday, moving to 1-0. Charlotte was +5 point underdogs going into the game, and they not only pulled off the win but also covered the spread. The total points for the game were 215, which was 15.5 points under the O/U line of 230.5.

Charlotte trailed 83-79 going into the 4th quarter but turned things around by outscoring Houston 31-22 in the final period. A key moment was a 10-0 run that stretched the score from 83-76 to 93-76 in Charlotte’s favor.

LaMelo Ball’s 34 points and 11 assists powered the Hornets to a 110-105 win over the Rockets, as he shot 50% from the field and knocked down 4 threes. Tre Mann also hit 4 threes, shooting 50% from deep and finishing with 24 points.

Ball scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, while Mann added 9 in the final frame. The Hornets made 15 threes as a team, shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc and 44.7% overall.

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Despite a rough 2nd quarter where they allowed 34 points, the Hornets tightened up their defense in the 2nd half, giving up just 23 points in the 3rd and 22 in the 4th to secure the win. Overall, they held the Rockets to 105 points on 36% shooting.

Charlotte limited Houston to 13 made threes on 30% shooting from deep. The Rockets went 16/20 from the free-throw line. The Hornets grabbed 41 defensive rebounds but gave up 16 offensive boards, while also recording 6 steals and 10 blocks.

The Hawks opened their season with a 120-116 win over the Nets on Wednesday, moving to 1-0. Atlanta was favored by 7 points at home but didn’t cover the spread. The total score of 236 points went over the pre-game line of 223.5.

After taking a 30-24 lead in the 1st quarter, Atlanta fell behind when the Nets went on a 10-0 run in the 2nd, outscoring the Hawks 31-21. Atlanta responded by winning the 3rd quarter 32-28, and with the score tied at 83 heading into the 4th, they edged out the Nets 37-33 in the final period.

LaMelo Ball’s 34-point, 11-assist performance led the Hornets to a 110-105 win over the Rockets, with Ball hitting 4 threes despite shooting just 33.3% from deep. Tre Mann also connected on 4 threes, finishing with 24 points and 6 rebounds, shooting 50% from beyond the arc.

As a team, the Hornets made 15 threes, shooting 38.5% from long range and 44.7% overall. Ball scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, while Mann added 9 in the final period.

Defensively, the Hawks had a strong 1st quarter, holding the Nets to 24 points, but they struggled in the 2nd and 4th, allowing 31 and 33 points, respectively. Overall, Atlanta gave up 116 points on 44% shooting from the field.

The Hawks allowed Brooklyn to hit 17 threes at a 39% clip. The Nets also went 19/25 from the free-throw line. Atlanta finished with 33 defensive rebounds, gave up 12 offensive boards, and recorded 12 steals and 9 blocks.

As the underdogs with a spread of +5.5, we recommend going with the Hornets on the point spread. We not only see them covering the spread but also have a strong likelihood of winning this one outright, especially if you’re seeking a higher payout on the moneyline.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 224.5, and our model predicts the Hornets and Hawks to score a combined 225 points. We recommend betting on the over.

No. 1 Pick Zaccharie Risacher Aims for Stronger Performance as Hawks Face Hornets

The Atlanta Hawks will look to build on their season-opening win as they take on the Charlotte Hornets at home Friday night. All eyes will be on top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, who showed glimpses of his potential in his NBA debut and is determined to make a more substantial impact against Charlotte. The matchup will also highlight a rejuvenated LaMelo Ball, who has returned to action for the Hornets with impressive results.

Zaccharie Risacher’s First Steps with Atlanta

Risacher, the 19-year-old No. 1 overall pick, made his first appearance for Atlanta on Wednesday, contributing seven points on 2-of-8 shooting in 19 minutes off the bench. Though he didn’t have a high-scoring debut, both Risacher and Hawks coach Quin Snyder believe he’s on the right path to becoming an influential player.

“I wasn’t as efficient as I’m used to being, so that was a little bit disappointing,” Risacher admitted. “But it’s part of the game.”

Coach Snyder emphasized Risacher’s approach, saying that contributions go beyond shooting. “You’re not going to make shots every night. How do you impact the game in other ways, whether it’s a pass or a cut or defensively?” Snyder said, encouraging Risacher to develop a multi-dimensional game that benefits the team.

Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu Lead Hawks to Opening Victory

In Wednesday’s 120-116 win over the Brooklyn Nets, the Hawks saw standout performances from veterans Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu. Young put up 30 points and 12 assists, controlling the tempo and keeping Atlanta in the driver’s seat. However, it was Okongwu’s performance that truly made the difference. Coming off the bench, Okongwu delivered a career-high 28 points on an incredible 11-for-12 shooting.

“I felt really good out there, and I’m just happy we got the win,” Okongwu said, after an offseason focused on improving his physicality and conditioning. His scoring efficiency, especially from close range, could be a significant asset for Atlanta as they progress through the season.

LaMelo Ball Returns Strong for the Hornets

LaMelo Ball’s return from an ankle injury has given the Hornets a much-needed boost. In his first regular-season game since January, Ball was instrumental in Charlotte’s 110-105 victory over the Houston Rockets. He flirted with a triple-double, posting 34 points, 11 assists, and eight rebounds. New Hornets coach Charles Lee highlighted Ball’s ability to elevate the team, saying, “If we have a healthy LaMelo Ball, we’re going to do a lot of really good things.”

With Ball back as the focal point, the Hornets have renewed hopes of improving on last season’s disappointing 21-61 record. Lee is especially excited to see Ball’s influence on the team’s defensive and offensive cohesiveness, noting his commitment to both ends of the court as a positive sign for the season ahead.

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Injury Woes Continue for the Hornets

Unfortunately, the injury bug hasn’t completely left the Hornets’ camp. Second-year guard Brandon Miller, who was the second overall pick in the 2023 draft, had to exit Wednesday’s game against Houston after just 11 minutes due to left hip soreness. His status remains day-to-day, and it’s uncertain whether he’ll be ready to play on Friday. Miller’s absence could be a blow for the Hornets, who value his dynamic scoring and defensive potential.

Key Matchups and What to Watch

1. Zaccharie Risacher vs. Charlotte’s Defense: As Risacher seeks to make a greater impact, look for Atlanta to run plays that allow him to find his rhythm and build confidence. His ability to contribute defensively and move without the ball will be critical as he adjusts to the NBA pace.
2. Trae Young and Onyeka Okongwu’s Offensive Prowess: With Young orchestrating plays and Okongwu in strong form, the Hawks will likely aim to leverage their inside-outside threat. Young’s playmaking paired with Okongwu’s efficient scoring could test the Hornets’ defensive schemes.
3. LaMelo Ball’s Command of the Court: Ball’s return has instantly changed the dynamics for Charlotte. His ability to create scoring opportunities for both himself and teammates will keep Atlanta’s defense on its toes. With Miller possibly sidelined, Ball may need to carry an even heavier load offensively.

Game Outlook

Both teams have exciting young talents, but each is dealing with different challenges. The Hawks will look to maintain the momentum from their opening win, and a more integrated Risacher could be a game-changer. Meanwhile, the Hornets are navigating early injury concerns, but with Ball back in top form, they have the leadership to stay competitive. Friday night’s game will test the potential of both squads as they aim to establish themselves in the Eastern Conference.