A Southeast Conference Showdown - Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks - 10/26/2024- NBA 2024-25

As two of the youngest teams in the league matchup as division rivals, this will be a great game to see which squad looks like a playoff team. This game will be played on Saturday, October 26th at 5:30 A.M. IST in State Farm Arena, Atlanta. Below are our predictions, betting odds, and starting lineups for the game. 

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Odds
 

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Match Preview 

As Charlotte showed a lot of progress in their first game and beat a Houston Rockets team that was growing as well, new coach Charles Lee has done a tremendous job of incorporating everyone. Helping Lamelo Ball grow as a leader, translated into a 34-point near triple-double against a formidable Rockets defense. His ability to play into any shot, create chances for others, and help on both ends of the floor was a big deal because it showed his rise as a superstar in this league. Given that Miles Bridges, 10 points with 9 rebounds, continued being a physical presence inside and creating many blocking chances, this combo will be something special to watch starting now. As Brandon Miller only played 11 minutes before he checked out, he showed some scoring ability with 6 points during that stretch. One guy who stepped up off the bench for this Hornets team was Tre Mann, 24 points with 6 rebounds, as his scoring ability around all parts of the court might be something to check out this season. Having a solid forward like Cody Martin, 8 points with 8 rebounds, helps this team work on creating opportunities after missed shots and slowing the tempo. If he and Nick Richards can keep that rebounding combo going before Mark Williams comes back, this Hornets team could be in a very different position. 

Meanwhile, the Hawks have started this season with a massive improvement on offense outside of just having Trae Young. Trading away Dejounte Murray was a huge benefit for them because it has brought along Dyson Daniels, 15 points with 5 assists, as someone with maximum effort on both ends of the floor. With Trae Young having 30 points and 12 assists, his willingness to move the ball all-around such a talent not many with his skillset like to show. Finding Jalen Johnson in the middle, 11 points and 10 rebounds against the Nets, and D’Andre Hunter, 12 points, really helped them get points in the paint. The biggest story for the Hawks was the ability of Onyeka Okonwgu, 28 with 8 rebounds, to showcase a huge offensive skillset that many would have not seen earlier. If Zacharrie Risacher lives up to the hype, this a Hawks team that could make a surprise playoff run as they had in 2021-22 with Trae Young. 

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineups 

Charlotte Hornets Starting 5 - Lamelo Ball(PG), Brandon Miller(SG), Cody Martin (SF), Miles Bridges(PF), Nick Richards(C)

Bench- Vasillje Micic(PG), Tre Mann(PG/SG), Josh Green(SG/SF), Grant Williams(PF/C) , Seth Curry(SG), Tidjane Salaun(SF/PF), Taj Gibson(C), K.J. Simpson(PG), Moussa Diabate(PF/C)

Atlanta Hawks Starting 5 - Trae Young(PG), Dyson Daniels(SG), D’Andre Hunter(SF), Jalen Johnson(PF), Clint Capela(C)

Bench - Bogdan Bogdanovic(SG), Zaccharie Risacher(SF), Larry Nance Jr.(PF/C), Onyeka Okongwu(PF,C), Vit Krejci(PG/SG), Keaton Wallace(PG), David Roddy(SF), Cody Zeller(C)

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Betting Tips

Total Match Points Over 230.5 - As the Hornets and Hawks have both shown to have great guards that command an offense and score with ease, there should be a lot of scoring in this game. The last matchup between these two squads ended in 229 total points and while both groups have improved it will be more. 

Total Points in the First Half Over 115.5 - The Atlanta Hawks were ranked 4th in first-half scoring last year and Charlotte has improved a lot from their last-place ranking, this game will have a ton of baskets in the first two quarters. They scored a combined 117 points in their last matchup during April.

Hawks Score Over 114 Points During Whole Game- As the Atlanta Hawks have really got a center who can score and their guards have developed, this is a group that can dominate the Hornets' defense. The Hawks haven’t scored fewer than 110 points against the Hornets in 5 straight matchups and that shouldn’t change. 

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Match Prediction

As the Hawks have shown to build around Trae Young well, this group has been able to develop a system where there is more than one outside sharpshooter. Although the Hornets have won 4 of 5 games against this Atlanta squad, it’s time for things to change as Young finally has a backcourt member who complements him well. Seeing Dyson Daniels, his defensive ability will quiet Brandon Miller once again and he could end up picking his pocket quite a few times. Having D’Andre Hunter out there will not only give this team a great boost on the defensive end against Cody Martin, but his offensive game is something that can force two defenders to trail Daniels and leave him open for layups. Given that Oneyka Okowngu’s offensive game has grown so much, Nick Richards will not be able to guard it and a lot of pressure will go on Miles Bridges. But, if the Hawks do lose a little edge on defense in this game, it can turn on them quickly. 

Our Prediction- Atlanta Hawks to Win