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New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets December 5th 2024
At 7:30 ET, the New York Knicks (-1217) will host the Charlotte Hornets (+753) in a game that can be seen on MSG. The Knicks are currently favored by 15 points, and the over/under line is set at 216.5.
Charlotte has lost six straight games and is 13th in the Eastern Conference at 6-15. Meanwhile, the Knicks have won three in a row and are 13-8 overall, which is good for fourth in the East.
Hornets vs. Knicks Key Information
- Sport: NBA
- Teams: Charlotte Hornets at New York Knicks
- Where: New York at Madison Square Garden
- Date: Thursday, December 5th
- Betting Odds NY -15, CHA +753 | NY -1217 O/U 216.5
The Hornets Can Win If…
The Hornets fell to 6-15 on the season after a 110-104 home loss to the 76ers on Tuesday. Charlotte, who entered the game as +4.5 point underdogs, failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game ended at 214, just over the 210.5-point line.
Charlotte struggled early, trailing 32-20 after the 1st quarter. They edged the 76ers 24-23 in the 2nd quarter and matched them 25-25 in the 3rd. Heading into the 4th down 80-69, the Hornets outscored the 76ers 35-30 in the final period but couldn’t complete the comeback.
Brandon Miller’s 34-point performance, including 7 threes at 43.8%, led the Hornets in their 110-104 loss to the 76ers. He scored 12 points in the 4th quarter, while Nick Richards added 10 of his 22 points in the final period, finishing with 14 rebounds and shooting 66.7% from the field.
As a team, the Hornets shot 44.2% from the field and hit 13 threes at a 38.2% rate. Cody Martin contributed 12 points, with 5 coming in the 4th quarter.
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Defensively, the Hornets had a strong 2nd and 3rd quarter, holding the 76ers to 23 and 25 points, respectively, but they gave up 32 points in the 1st and 30 in the 4th, leading to a 110-104 loss. Charlotte allowed Philadelphia to shoot 46% from the field.
The Hornets limited the 76ers to 16 made threes on 40% shooting. They sent Philadelphia to the line 20 times, where the 76ers made 18 free throws. Charlotte grabbed 32 defensive rebounds and allowed 8 offensive boards while recording 5 steals and 3 blocks.
- Across their last three road contests, Charlotte has a 2-1 record vs the spread. Their overall mark in these games was 0-3, while averaging 116 points per game.
- Through their last five games as the betting underdog, the Hornets have a strong record vs the spread going 3-2. Their straight up mark in these contests is 0-5.
- Over their last five games, the Hornets have an over/under record of 1-4 and are 3-2 vs. the spread.
The Knicks Can Win If…
The Knicks improved to 13-8 on the season with a 121-106 win over the Magic on Tuesday. New York, favored by five points, covered the spread at home. The total score of 227 points exceeded the pre-game O/U line of 215.
An 11-0 run early in the game helped the Knicks take control, and they dominated the 2nd and 3rd quarters, outscoring Orlando 70-48. Despite a 31-15 4th quarter in favor of the Magic, New York’s lead was too large to overcome.
The Knicks shot 50.6% from the field and connected on 15 threes at a 42.9% clip in their 121-106 win over the Magic. Karl-Anthony Towns led the way with 23 points and 15 rebounds, while Jalen Brunson added 21 points, including 13 in the 3rd quarter.
Mikal Bridges contributed 19 points, and OG Anunoby and Miles McBride each scored 18, with McBride putting up 8 in the 4th. Josh Hart chipped in 9 of his 11 points in the 2nd quarter.
The Knicks held the Magic to 106 points on Tuesday, thanks to strong defensive efforts in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, where they allowed just 24 points in each. Overall, they limited Orlando to 43% shooting from the field.
New York did an excellent job defending the three-point line, allowing just 9 made threes on 23% shooting. They also recorded 34 defensive rebounds while giving up 9 offensive boards, and added 6 steals and 4 blocks.
- Through their last ten home contests, the Knicks offense has averaged 117 points per game while allowing an average of 114. New York posted an overall record of 5-5 while going 4-6 ATS.
- Through their last five matchups as the betting favorite, the Knicks have a good straight up record, but their ATS mark is just 2-3.
- In their last three games, the Knicks have an over/under record of 2-1 and are 3-0 vs. the spread.
The Lean
For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Knicks to secure the win, with an expected final score of 131-82. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -15.
As for the total, the line is currently sitting at 216.5 and our model has the Hornets and Knicks finishing with a combined 213 points. Our pick is to take the under.
Knicks Getting Back to Business, Host Hornets
The New York Knicks return to Madison Square Garden on Thursday night, set to host the Charlotte Hornets as they continue to build momentum following their undefeated run in the NBA Cup’s East Group A.
Knicks Stay Grounded
After clinching a spot in the NBA Cup quarterfinals with a commanding 121-106 victory over the Orlando Magic on Tuesday, Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau remains laser-focused on the immediate task ahead.
“Just worried about Charlotte,” Thibodeau said when asked about next Wednesday’s NBA Cup matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
The Knicks (13-6) have been thriving with a balanced offensive approach, highlighted by Karl-Anthony Towns scoring 23 points and Jalen Brunson contributing 21 against Orlando. The team’s recent uptick in ball movement has been a key factor, as New York has logged 30 assists in back-to-back games.
“I love how unselfish we were,” Thibodeau noted. “When you do that, everyone finds rhythm, and you’re creating good shots for each other.”
Hornets Look to Break the Streak
The Hornets (6-14) are reeling after a 110-104 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Tuesday, marking their sixth consecutive defeat. Despite showing resilience in most games during the streak, Tuesday’s loss was marked by a sluggish start that saw Charlotte fall behind by as many as 18 points in the first half.
Hornets coach Charles Lee emphasized the need for a stronger opening effort.
“I just didn’t think that from the jump we were ready to hoop,” Lee said. “In the second half, we competed a lot harder and gave ourselves a chance, but you have to be ready to play in the first half.”
Key Players to Watch
- Brandon Miller: The second-year forward has been a bright spot during Charlotte’s struggles, averaging 26.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists over the past six games. With LaMelo Ball sidelined due to a calf strain, Miller has stepped up as the Hornets’ primary offensive weapon.
- Vasilije Micic: Filling in for Ball, Micic has delivered steady performances in three starts, averaging 9.7 points, 5.0 assists, and 4.0 rebounds.
For the Knicks, Towns and Brunson continue to lead the way, but the team’s strength has been its depth and unselfish play. New York edged Charlotte 99-98 in their previous meeting last Friday, a game where both teams struggled offensively.
Head-to-Head Trends
The Knicks have dominated the recent series, winning five straight against the Hornets. Charlotte hasn’t beaten New York since March 7, 2023, and will look to snap that streak while searching for their first win in seven games.
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What’s at Stake
For the Knicks, Thursday’s game is another opportunity to fine-tune their chemistry and maintain momentum ahead of their NBA Cup quarterfinal clash. Meanwhile, the Hornets will be aiming to end their skid and find a rhythm without their injured star.
With both teams prioritizing ball movement and execution, the matchup promises a contrast in form: the Knicks’ efficient teamwork versus the Hornets’ reliance on individual brilliance.
