Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat 24 October 2026 Prediction

Last season’s Eastern Conference play-in teams opened the new regular season with opposite results. Charlotte beat Brooklyn 110-103 on the road, while Miami lost 131-106 to Minnesota. Can Giannis and the Heat respond?

Charlotte Struggled Against Brooklyn

Charlotte got the win, but Charles Lee’s team was far from convincing. The Hornets’ offense has declined since the Ball trade, and with Knueppel unavailable, Miller had to take a leading role. Brandon scored 18 points, the fourth-highest total on the team against the Nets.

Charlotte’s form is still difficult to judge. Knueppel and White, its expected starting backcourt, missed both the preseason and the opener. Both will also sit out the game against Atlanta the day before this matchup. Even if they return against Miami, they may need time to settle in. Brooklyn offered a manageable first test. Miami presents a tougher matchup, particularly in the paint.

Charlotte Predicted Lineup: Schroder, James, Miller, Reid, Diabate

Unavailable: Boswell (injury)

Manager: Charles Lee

Miami Looks to Improve After Its Opener

Miami could look to attack the paint more often after its 131-106 loss to Minnesota. Anthony Edwards was a major factor in that result, hitting nine 3-pointers and scoring 45 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 35, a Heat debut record, but Bam Adebayo finished with 15.

Miami also struggled from 3-point range, making just 8 of 33 attempts. The Heat play Detroit the day before this matchup, so managing minutes will matter. Erik Spoelstra will have to account for that short turnaround.

Miami Predicted Lineup: Mitchell, Thompson, Wiggins, Antetokounmpo, Adebayo

Unavailable: None

Manager: Erik Spoelstra

Miami Won Three of Four Meetings Last Season

Miami won three of the teams’ four meetings in 2025-26, by scores of 144-117, 126-108 and 128-120. Charlotte’s lone win came at home, 136-109.

Charlotte vs Miami Prediction: Miami to Win

Main pick: Charlotte needed a late push to beat Brooklyn 110-103, allowing Randle and Porter Jr. to combine for 59 points. Miami should pose a greater offensive challenge. Charlotte’s expected starting guards missed the preseason, and even if they play, they may not be at full strength. The pick is Miami to win.

Total pick: Both teams had offensive issues in their openers. Miami made only eight 3-pointers against Minnesota, while Charlotte had stretches of poor offense against Brooklyn. Points should be harder to come by against Miami’s defense. The additional pick is under 233.5 points.