Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks 23 October 2026 Prediction

Atlanta opened the 2026-27 season with a high-scoring 132-125 win over Orlando, its sixth straight victory against the Magic. The Hawks now look to end a three-game losing streak against the Hornets. Can Charlotte win this matchup again without LaMelo Ball?

Charlotte’s Newcomers Step Up

Charlotte is still adjusting to the departures of Ball and Miles Bridges. ESPN insider Tim MacMahon reported that the front office did not view Ball as its franchise player. The revamped Hornets opened the regular season with a 110-103 win over Brooklyn despite committing 21 turnovers and shooting 44% from the field.

Knueppel, White and Williams missed the Nets game with injuries. New arrivals Allen (21 points), Reed (20 points, 11 assists) and Schroder (19 points, four rebounds, six assists) made significant contributions. All three outscored Miller (18 points) and Diabate (17 points, eight rebounds).

Charlotte Hornets Predicted Lineup: Schroder, James, Miller, Reed, Diabate

Out: Not specified

Manager: Charles Lee

Atlanta’s Strong Start in October

Atlanta entered the season with encouraging preseason results. The Hawks won four exhibition games starting October 9 while giving their key players limited minutes. Those wins included a 123-116 result against San Antonio and a 113-110 result against Oklahoma City. They then beat Orlando 132-125 on the road in their regular-season opener.

The Orlando game was close despite Atlanta leading by 14 in the third quarter. Snyder’s team trailed by six early in the fourth before coming back to win. Alexander-Walker scored 31 points, while Johnson added 20 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Daniels scored 20, McCollum had 19 and newcomer Wiggins contributed 16.

Atlanta Hawks Predicted Lineup: McCollum, Alexander-Walker, Daniels, Johnson, Okongwu

Out: Not specified

Manager: Quin Snyder

Charlotte’s Recent Edge Over Atlanta

Atlanta pushed the eventual champion Knicks to six games in the last playoffs, losing the series 4-2. In the regular season, though, the Hawks lost three of four meetings with Charlotte. The scores were 113-110, 126-133, 119-126 and 107-110.

Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Prediction: Atlanta Hawks Handicap -3.5

Main pick: Atlanta looks stronger than it did last season. The Hawks have gained experience playing without Young and added Dort and Wiggins from Oklahoma City. Their recent results suggest the new group is settling in. Charlotte, meanwhile, cannot count on Allen and Reed producing at that level every night, and it is hard to expect 33-year-old Schroder to score 20 or more consistently. Knueppel, White and Williams may also be limited by their injuries if they play. The pick is Atlanta Hawks -3.5 at 2.00.

Team total pick: Losing Ball and Bridges could hurt Charlotte’s offense, but Atlanta has allowed at least 111 points in each of its six games across the preseason and regular season. That has not stopped the Hawks from winning five of them. Charlotte also scored at least 110 points in all four meetings last regular season. Consider Charlotte Hornets team total over 109.5 at 1.90.