Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards 26 October 2026 Prediction

Trae Young and Anthony Davis will look to help Washington avoid a fifth straight loss to Charlotte. The Hornets are without LaMelo Ball, but they have already shown they can win without him.

Four Hornets Score at Least 20 Against Miami

Charlotte struggled in its opener, losing 128-81 to Atlanta. Charles Lee’s team shot just 34% from the field and committed 25 turnovers. The Hornets responded with a 115-110 home win over Miami. The final margin was close largely because Charlotte lost the fourth quarter 35-19.

Allen, Reid, Schroder and Miller each scored at least 20 points against the Heat. The new additions made good use of their minutes, while Charlotte outscored Miami 35-27 in the second quarter and 30-17 in the third.

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

Out: None

Manager: Charles Lee

Washington Starts 2-1

Washington’s 2-1 start is encouraging after Brian Keefe’s team finished last season 17-65. The Wizards beat Milwaukee 128-116 and Chicago 124-120, then lost 112-102 to Toronto.

Young and Davis have led the way. Young had 25 points, four rebounds and nine assists in Washington’s most recent game, while Davis posted 34 points and 12 rebounds against Milwaukee. Dybantsa, the No. 1 pick in the latest draft, has yet to play.

Washington Predicted Lineup: Young, George, Middleton, Davis, Sarr

Out: Dybantsa, Vukcevic and Watkins (injuries)

Manager: Brian Keefe

Charlotte Won All Four Meetings Last Season

The Hornets swept last season’s four-game series against the Wizards, winning 139-113, 126-109, 119-115 and 129-112.

Charlotte vs Washington Prediction: Washington to Win

Main pick: Washington has beaten Milwaukee and Chicago to start the season. Charlotte, meanwhile, is missing Ball, Knueppel, White and Williams. The Hornets’ 128-81 loss to Atlanta showed how much they can struggle when short-handed. The pick is Washington to win.

Additional pick: Washington scored at least 124 points in both of its wins to open the 2026-27 regular season. With Young and Davis leading the offense, the Wizards should have scoring opportunities against a Charlotte defense that allowed 128 points to Atlanta. Take Washington team total over 120.5 points.