Wizards Defeat Hornets 95-79 in NBA Clash
Friday, October 30, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Capital One Arena
Washington Wizards 95, Charlotte Hornets 79, 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 Washington Wizards?
Washington Wizards beat Charlotte Hornets 95-79 at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2026.
Who was favored in Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards?
Charlotte Hornets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
The Washington Wizards secured a decisive 95-79 victory over the Charlotte Hornets at the Capital One Arena, marking a significant moment in their season as they improved their record to 4-3. This win was particularly noteworthy as it broke a two-game losing streak for the Wizards, who had struggled in their recent outings. The Hornets, meanwhile, fell to 3-4, continuing their inconsistent start to the season.
The Wizards entered the game with a home record of 3-3, while the Hornets also held a 3-3 record on the road. Both teams had shown equal performance at this early stage, but the Wizards' recent form had been less than stellar, with a 2-8 record over their last ten games. They averaged 112.3 points scored per game but allowed 121.8, indicating defensive struggles. Conversely, the Hornets had a better recent record of 6-4, averaging 106.8 points scored and allowing 108.4 over their last ten games, though they were on a one-game losing streak coming into this matchup.
In terms of head-to-head matchups, the series was tied at 1-1 before this game, but the Wizards had lost the previous five encounters against the Hornets. Their last meeting on October 26, 2026, saw the Wizards fall 103-110 in Charlotte, adding pressure to perform at home. This victory not only gave the Wizards a much-needed boost but also demonstrated their ability to overcome previous defeats against the same opponent.
Injury concerns were significant for both teams. The Wizards were missing Justin Champagnie (foot), Tristan Vukcevic (hip), and Jamir Watkins (knee), while the Hornets were without Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Coby White (calf), Grant Williams (hamstring), and Kylan Boswell (knee). The absence of key players on both sides likely influenced the game dynamics, but the Wizards managed to adapt better to the situation.
The market had priced the game with the Hornets favored by 1.5 points according to DraftKings, with a total set at 218.5. The odds reflected a close contest anticipated by bookmakers, but the Wizards' performance exceeded expectations, particularly in the second half.
Conditions in the arena were typical for a late October evening, with a lively crowd supporting the home team. The Wizards capitalized on their home advantage, showcasing a strong defensive effort that limited the Hornets' scoring opportunities. The Wizards managed to hold the Hornets to just 79 points, a testament to their improved defensive strategy.
Key moments in the game included a series of scoring plays in the fourth quarter, where the Wizards maintained their lead and effectively shut down any potential comeback from the Hornets. Notable contributions came from various players, including Kyshawn George, who hit a crucial three-pointer, and AJ Dybantsa, who added points from the free-throw line to solidify the lead.
Fans watching the game should have noted the Wizards' resilience and ability to execute plays effectively under pressure. The victory not only boosts their confidence but also sets a positive tone for the upcoming games as they look to build on this performance.
What we said beforehand
The upcoming matchup between the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets is set to take place at Capital One Arena on October 30, 2026. This game is particularly intriguing as the Hornets currently lead the series 1-0 after defeating the Wizards 110-103 in their last encounter just a few days prior on October 26, 2026. This fixture not only offers a chance for the Wizards to even the score but also highlights the competitive nature of both teams early in the season.
In terms of recent form, the Wizards have a record of 2-3. Their last five games include a win against the Milwaukee Bucks (128-116) and a victory over the Chicago Bulls (124-120), but they have also suffered losses to the Toronto Raptors (112-102), the Hornets, and the Cleveland Cavaliers (121-111). The Wizards have averaged 113.6 points scored over their last five games while allowing 115.8 points. At home, their record is 1-4, with an average of 112.3 points scored and 121.8 points allowed across their last ten home games.
Conversely, the Hornets are currently 3-2, having won their last game against the Miami Heat (115-110) and previously against the Wizards. Their recent losses include a significant defeat to the Atlanta Hawks (128-81) and a loss to the Detroit Pistons (89-97). The Hornets have averaged 101.0 points scored and allowed 108.2 points in their last five games. They have a balanced away record of 3-2, indicating their ability to perform well outside their home venue.
The injury report shows both teams dealing with significant player absences. The Wizards will be without Justin Champagnie (foot), Tristan Vukcevic (hip), and Jamir Watkins (knee). The Hornets are missing Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Coby White (calf), Grant Williams (hamstring), and Kylan Boswell (knee). These injuries could impact the depth and performance of both teams, making the game even more unpredictable.
From a betting perspective, DraftKings has priced the Hornets as 1.5-point favorites with a moneyline of -115, while the Wizards sit at -105 on the moneyline. The total for the game is set at 218.5, with the over at odds of -108 and the under at -112. This indicates a competitive matchup where scoring may be closely contested.
As for conditions, the game will be played indoors at Capital One Arena, providing a controlled environment free from weather-related factors. Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere as both teams look to secure a crucial win early in the season.
Viewers should watch for the performance of key players such as Anthony Davis for the Wizards, who leads the team in points (21.8) and rebounds (8.4), and Trae Young, who is averaging 10.4 assists. For the Hornets, Brandon Miller stands out with an impressive average of 25.6 points per game, while Dennis Schroder contributes with 4.8 assists. The matchup between these star players could be pivotal in determining the outcome of the game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CHA -1.5 | 218.5 o -108 / u -112 | Charlotte Hornets -115 · Washington Wizards -105 |
Injury report
- Justin ChampagnieOutFootWashington Wizards
- Tristan VukcevicOutHipWashington Wizards
- Jamir WatkinsOutKneeWashington Wizards
- Kon KnueppelOutHamstringCharlotte Hornets
- Coby WhiteOutCalfCharlotte Hornets
- Grant WilliamsOutHamstringCharlotte Hornets
- Kylan BoswellOutKneeCharlotte Hornets
Leaders
- PointsAnthony Davis25Washington Wizards
- AssistsTrae Young9Washington Wizards
- ReboundsAnthony Davis13Washington Wizards
- PointsBrandon Miller19Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsDennis Schroder8Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsMoussa Diabate12Charlotte Hornets
Recent form
Washington Wizards
Last 10: 2-8Streak L2112.3 scored · 121.8 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L111-121at Cleveland CavaliersOct 28
- L103-110at Charlotte HornetsOct 26
- W124-120at Chicago BullsOct 25
- L102-112vs Toronto RaptorsOct 23
- W128-116vs Milwaukee BucksOct 21
- L117-130at Cleveland CavaliersApr 12
- L117-140vs Miami HeatApr 10
- L108-119vs Chicago BullsApr 9
- L98-129vs Chicago BullsApr 7
- L115-121at Brooklyn NetsApr 5
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 6-4Streak L1106.8 scored · 108.4 allowed per game3-2 away
- L89-97at Detroit PistonsOct 28
- W110-103vs Washington WizardsOct 26
- W115-110vs Miami HeatOct 24
- L81-128vs Atlanta HawksOct 23
- W110-103at Brooklyn NetsOct 21
- W110-96at New York KnicksApr 12
- L100-118vs Detroit PistonsApr 10
- L102-113at Boston CelticsApr 8
- W122-108at Minnesota TimberwolvesApr 5
- W129-108vs Indiana PacersApr 3
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | - | 3 | W1 | .500 | 3 |
| Washington | - | 3 | W1 | .500 | 3 |
| Charlotte | - | 3 | L2 | .500 | 3 |
| Orlando | 1 | 3 | L1 | .250 | 1 |
| Miami | 1.5 | 4 | W1 | .200 | 1 |
Box score
| Stat | Charlotte Hornets | Washington Wizards |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 30-101 | 28-73 |
| Field goal % | 30 | 38 |
| Three-pointers | 12-56 | 10-30 |
| Three-point % | 21 | 33 |
| Free throws | 7-12 | 29-35 |
| Free throw % | 58 | 83 |
| Rebounds | 55 | 53 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 37 | 44 |
| Assists | 22 | 18 |
| Steals | 12 | 6 |
| Blocks | 1 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 10 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 9 | 10 |
| Fast-break points | 7 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 28 | 28 |
| Fouls | 27 | 17 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 25 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 32 | 64 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter46-57Kyshawn George makes 23-foot three point jumper (Trae Young assists)
- 3rd Quarter46-59Trae Young makes 3-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter48-59Brandon Miller makes 6-foot two point shot (Sion James assists)
- 3rd Quarter48-62Kyshawn George makes 28-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter48-64AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup (Trae Young assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-64Naz Reid makes 26-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-65Anthony Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-66Anthony Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter51-68Anthony Davis makes 16-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter54-68Brandon Miller makes 24-foot three point jumper (Royce O'Neale assists)
- 3rd Quarter54-70Anthony Davis makes 8-foot driving floating jump shot
- 3rd Quarter54-71Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-72Trae Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-73Bilal Coulibaly makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-75Deandre Ayton makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter54-76Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-77Trae Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-78Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter54-79Trae Young makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-79Dennis Schroder makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter56-79Dennis Schroder makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter59-79Brandon Miller makes 24-foot turnaround jump shot (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter61-79Moussa Diabate makes 1-foot driving dunk (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter61-82Bub Carrington makes 24-foot three point jumper (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter62-82Sion James makes free throw flagrant 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter65-82Naz Reid makes 25-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter65-84Anthony Davis makes 1-foot layup (Kyshawn George assists)
- 4th Quarter68-84Brandon Miller makes 22-foot three point jumper (Grayson Allen assists)
- 4th Quarter70-84Ryan Kalkbrenner makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter70-86Anthony Davis makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter70-88AJ Dybantsa makes driving layup (Bub Carrington assists)
- 4th Quarter70-89AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter70-92Kyshawn George makes 29-foot three point jumper (Anthony Davis assists)
- 4th Quarter72-92Naz Reid makes driving dunk (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter74-92Moussa Diabate makes 11-foot floating jump shot (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter74-93AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-94AJ Dybantsa makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter77-94Tidjane Salaun makes 31-foot three point jumper (Christian Anderson assists)
- 4th Quarter77-95Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter79-95Christian Anderson makes 11-foot two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Washington Wizards, below favours Charlotte Hornets.
Venue
- Capital One ArenaWashington, DC
- Attendance17566
- OfficialsJames Capers, Sean Corbin, Brandon Schwab
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