Atlanta Hawks vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Odds and Picks for Thursday, 12/18/25

The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets will be going head-to-head for the second time this season when they meet again on Thursday night in Charlotte. They previously squared off on November 23 in Atlanta, where the home team took care of business 113-100. The rematch could be more routine, because — even without Trae Young — the Hawks (15-12) are a far superior outfit on paper. My Hawks vs. Hornets pick is for the visitors to win and cover.

Atlanta may be without Young and Kristaps Porzingis, but Charlotte is also banged out. Tre Mann (ankle) and Collin Sexton (quadriceps) are both out; LaMelo Ball (ankle) has missed the past 3 games and is questionable. The Hornets’ backcourt is going to be depleted — the only question is to what extent. The home side is 2-4 in its last 6 contests; during this stretch, 3 of its losses have come by at least 9 points. Brandon Miller is shooting a horrendous 29.7 percent over the last 5 games. Barring something unforeseen, Hawks triple-double machine Jalen Johnson is going to be the best player on the floor in this matchup. Combine Johnson’s offensive production with the defensive prowess of Dyson Daniels and Atlanta should be well positioned to win and cover against a bad opponent.

Hawks vs Hornets prediction: Atlanta Hawks -5.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -6.

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