NBA · Final

Hornets Defeat Thunder 124-97 in Oklahoma City

124

Monday, January 5, 2026, 8:00 PM ET · Paycom Center

Charlotte Hornets 124, Oklahoma City Thunder 97, final. Our NBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

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Quick answers

Who won Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

Charlotte Hornets beat Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 at Paycom Center on January 5, 2026.

Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder?

Oklahoma City Thunder were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -1050 (about 91% implied). The underdog won.

In a surprising turn of events, the Charlotte Hornets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 at the Paycom Center on January 6, 2026. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Hornets, who improved their record to 14-23, while the Thunder fell to 30-8. The win also broke the Hornets' three-game losing streak against the Thunder, as they had previously lost all three meetings in the current season.

The Thunder entered the game with a strong home record of 30-7, showcasing their dominance at home, but they were unable to capitalize on this advantage. Over their last ten games, the Thunder had a record of 6-4, averaging 118.9 points scored while allowing 109.3 points. However, they were coming off a loss to the Phoenix Suns, which may have affected their performance against the Hornets. Their recent form at home was slightly better, with a 5-1 record, but they faced a tough challenge from the visiting Hornets.

On the other hand, the Hornets had been showing signs of improvement, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games and a recent victory over the Chicago Bulls. Averaging 118.7 points scored and allowing 117.8 points, the Hornets were competitive, and their recent win provided them with momentum heading into this matchup. They had a balanced performance, with contributions from various players, which proved crucial in securing the win.

In terms of injuries, both teams had key players listed as day-to-day. The Thunder were without Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell, Otega Oweh, Thomas Sorber, and Jalen Williams, all of whom were dealing with various injuries. The Hornets also faced challenges, with Brandon Miller and PJ Hall listed as day-to-day due to shoulder and ankle issues, respectively. The absence of these players may have influenced the dynamics of the game.

The betting market had the Thunder heavily favored, with DraftKings setting the spread at -15.5 in favor of Oklahoma City. The total was set at 235.5, indicating expectations for a high-scoring game. However, the Hornets defied the odds and delivered a strong performance, showcasing their ability to compete against a top team in the league.

Throughout the game, the Thunder struggled to find their rhythm, especially in the second half, where they were outscored significantly. The Hornets took control early and maintained their lead, with notable scoring plays including a dunk by PJ Hall and a three-point jumper by Liam McNeeley in the fourth quarter. The Thunder attempted to rally back with scores from Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, but it was not enough to close the gap.

As the game progressed, viewers witnessed a display of teamwork and resilience from the Hornets, who capitalized on their scoring opportunities and defended effectively against the Thunder's attacks. The final score of 124-97 underscored the Hornets' ability to perform under pressure and highlighted the Thunder's struggles to maintain their home dominance.

Looking ahead, both teams will need to reassess their strategies as they continue through the season. The Thunder will need to regroup after this defeat, while the Hornets will aim to build on this victory and improve their standing in the league.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	OKC -15.5	235.5 o -110 / u -110	Charlotte Hornets +675 · Oklahoma City Thunder -1050

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Injury report

Isaiah HartensteinDay-To-DayAnkleOklahoma City Thunder
Ajay MitchellDay-To-DayCalfOklahoma City Thunder
Otega OwehDay-To-DayLower LegOklahoma City Thunder
Thomas SorberDay-To-DayKneeOklahoma City Thunder
Jalen WilliamsDay-To-DayHamstringOklahoma City Thunder
Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets

Leaders

PointsShai Gilgeous-Alexander21Oklahoma City Thunder
AssistsShai Gilgeous-Alexander6Oklahoma City Thunder
ReboundsChet Holmgren6Oklahoma City Thunder
PointsBrandon Miller28Charlotte Hornets
AssistsKon Knueppel5Charlotte Hornets
ReboundsMoussa Diabate12Charlotte Hornets

Recent form

Oklahoma City Thunder

Last 10: 6-4Streak L1118.9 scored · 109.3 allowed per game5-1 at home

L105-108at Phoenix SunsJan 5
W131-94at Golden State WarriorsJan 3
W124-95vs Portland Trail BlazersJan 1
W140-129vs Atlanta HawksDec 30
W129-104vs Philadelphia 76ersDec 28
L102-117vs San Antonio SpursDec 25
L110-130at San Antonio SpursDec 24
W119-103vs Memphis GrizzliesDec 23
L107-112at Minnesota TimberwolvesDec 20
W122-101vs LA ClippersDec 19

Charlotte Hornets

Last 10: 5-5Streak W1118.7 scored · 117.8 allowed per game3-3 away

W112-99at Chicago BullsJan 4
L121-122at Milwaukee BucksJan 3
L125-132vs Golden State WarriorsDec 31
L113-123vs Milwaukee BucksDec 30
W120-105at Orlando MagicDec 27
W126-109vs Washington WizardsDec 24
L132-139at Cleveland CavaliersDec 23
L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21
W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19
W119-111at Cleveland CavaliersDec 14

Standings

Team	Games behind	Lost	Streak	Win %	Won
Atlanta	-	36	L1	.561	46
Orlando	1	37	L1	.549	45
Charlotte	2	38	W1	.537	44
Miami	3	39	W2	.524	43
Washington	29	65	L10	.207	17
Oklahoma City	-	18	L2	.780	64
Denver	10	28	W12	.659	54
Minnesota	15	33	W2	.598	49
Portland	22	40	W2	.512	42
Utah	42	60	L1	.268	22

Box score

Stat	Charlotte Hornets	Oklahoma City Thunder
Field goals	41-77	34-93
Field goal %	53	37
Three-pointers	19-37	11-39
Three-point %	51	28
Free throws	23-25	18-27
Free throw %	92	67
Rebounds	52	33
Offensive rebounds	12	13
Defensive rebounds	40	20
Assists	25	18
Steals	4	14
Blocks	7	5
Turnovers	21	7
Team turnovers	0	1
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	0	0
Points off turnovers	29	8
Fast-break points	7	7
Points in the paint	42	44
Fouls	23	14
Largest lead	30	3
Lead changes	1	1
Time in front	92	2

How the scoring went

3rd Quarter85-65Jalen Williams makes layup (Chet Holmgren assists)
3rd Quarter85-67Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes layup
3rd Quarter86-67Miles Bridges makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter87-67Miles Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter88-67Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter89-67Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter89-69Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 14-foot pullup jump shot
3rd Quarter90-69Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter91-69Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter91-71Shai Gilgeous-Alexander makes 1-foot two point shot
3rd Quarter94-71Brandon Miller makes 22-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)
3rd Quarter95-71Sion James makes free throw 1 of 2
3rd Quarter96-71Sion James makes free throw 2 of 2
3rd Quarter99-71Brandon Miller makes 23-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)
4th Quarter101-71Moussa Diabate makes 4-foot floating jump shot (LaMelo Ball assists)
4th Quarter101-72Jalen Williams makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter101-73Jalen Williams makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter101-75Jalen Williams makes 1-foot dunk
4th Quarter103-75Moussa Diabate makes 1-foot dunk (Kon Knueppel assists)
4th Quarter103-77Jalen Williams makes driving layup
4th Quarter106-77Kon Knueppel makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot (Moussa Diabate assists)
4th Quarter106-80Isaiah Joe makes 27-foot three point jumper (Jalen Williams assists)
4th Quarter106-82Cason Wallace makes 3-foot two point shot (Isaiah Joe assists)
4th Quarter108-82Miles Bridges makes 3-foot two point shot
4th Quarter108-84Kenrich Williams makes tip shot
4th Quarter108-85Branden Carlson makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter111-85Sion James makes 26-foot three point jumper (Miles Bridges assists)
4th Quarter111-87Aaron Wiggins makes running dunk (Cason Wallace assists)
4th Quarter112-87PJ Hall makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter113-87PJ Hall makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter113-90Kenrich Williams makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
4th Quarter115-90Kon Knueppel makes driving dunk (Collin Sexton assists)
4th Quarter117-90Collin Sexton makes running layup (Kon Knueppel assists)
4th Quarter117-91Isaiah Joe makes free throw 1 of 2
4th Quarter117-92Isaiah Joe makes free throw 2 of 2
4th Quarter119-92PJ Hall makes dunk (Pat Connaughton assists)
4th Quarter119-95Aaron Wiggins makes 23-foot running jump shot (Kenrich Williams assists)
4th Quarter119-97Aaron Wiggins makes driving layup (Kenrich Williams assists)
4th Quarter121-97PJ Hall makes 1-foot driving dunk (Liam McNeeley assists)
4th Quarter124-97Liam McNeeley makes 26-foot three point jumper (PJ Hall assists)