Hornets Defeat Wizards 126-109 at Spectrum Center
Tuesday, December 23, 2025, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Charlotte Hornets 126, Washington Wizards 109, 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 Washington Wizards vs Charlotte Hornets?
Charlotte Hornets beat Washington Wizards 126-109 at Spectrum Center on December 23, 2025.
Who was favored in Washington Wizards vs Charlotte Hornets?
Charlotte Hornets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -250 (about 71% implied). The favorite won.
The Charlotte Hornets secured a decisive 126-109 victory over the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center, extending their lead in the season series to 3-0. This matchup showcased the Hornets' ability to capitalize on their home court advantage, improving their home record to 11-20 while the Wizards fell to 5-24 on the road.
In terms of recent form, the Hornets had a mixed bag leading into this game, with a record of 4-6 over their last ten games. They had been struggling, entering the matchup on a two-game losing streak, having lost to the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Detroit Pistons in their previous outings. Despite these setbacks, they averaged 113.8 points scored and allowed 116.4 points during this stretch.
Conversely, the Wizards have had a challenging season, holding a 5-23 record overall, and they entered this game with a 3-7 record in their last ten games. They were coming off a loss to the San Antonio Spurs and had averaged 110.5 points scored while allowing 122.7 points in their recent games. The Wizards' struggles have been compounded by their away record, which now stands at 1-5 in their last six away games.
Historically, the Hornets have had the upper hand in this series, winning all three meetings this season. Their previous encounters included a 139-113 victory on October 26, 2025, and a 100-113 loss on March 1, 2025, showcasing a trend of competitive matchups.
In terms of injuries, the Hornets had two players listed as day-to-day: Brandon Miller (shoulder) and PJ Hall (ankle). The Wizards faced a more significant challenge, with Jamir Watkins ruled out due to a knee injury, while Alex Sarr (foot), Anthony Davis (finger), and Trae Young (quadriceps) were all listed as day-to-day, potentially impacting their lineup.
The betting market reflected the Hornets' status as favorites, with DraftKings setting the spread at CHA -6.5 and the total points line at 239.5. The odds indicated a strong belief in the Hornets' ability to cover the spread, given their recent home performance.
Conditions during the game were typical for a December evening in Charlotte, with the atmosphere electric as fans filled the Spectrum Center to support their team. The Hornets' offensive execution was on full display, with standout plays including a 26-foot three-point jumper by Kon Knueppel assisted by LaMelo Ball, and an alley-oop dunk by Miles Bridges, also assisted by Ball.
As the game progressed, the Hornets maintained control, with significant contributions from their key players. The final quarter saw the Hornets pull away, highlighted by a series of scoring plays that showcased their offensive depth. The Wizards, despite their efforts, were unable to close the gap, ultimately succumbing to the Hornets' pressure.
Overall, the Hornets' victory not only solidified their dominance in this matchup but also provided a much-needed boost to their confidence as they look to improve their standing in the league.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CHA -6.5 | 239.5 o -108 / u -112 | Washington Wizards +205 · Charlotte Hornets -250 |
Injury report
- Brandon MillerDay-To-DayShoulderCharlotte Hornets
- PJ HallDay-To-DayAnkleCharlotte Hornets
- Jamir WatkinsOutKneeWashington Wizards
- Alex SarrDay-To-DayFootWashington Wizards
- Anthony DavisDay-To-DayFingerWashington Wizards
- Trae YoungDay-To-DayQuadricepsWashington Wizards
Leaders
- PointsLaMelo Ball23Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsLaMelo Ball9Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsMoussa Diabate18Charlotte Hornets
- PointsKhris Middleton16Washington Wizards
- AssistsKyshawn George6Washington Wizards
- ReboundsAlex Sarr11Washington Wizards
Recent form
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 4-6Streak L2113.8 scored · 116.4 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L132-139at Cleveland CavaliersDec 23
- L86-112at Detroit PistonsDec 21
- W133-126vs Atlanta HawksDec 19
- W119-111at Cleveland CavaliersDec 14
- L126-129vs Chicago BullsDec 13
- L106-115vs Denver NuggetsDec 7
- W111-86at Toronto RaptorsDec 6
- L104-119at New York KnicksDec 4
- L103-116at Brooklyn NetsDec 2
- W118-111vs Toronto RaptorsNov 29
Washington Wizards
Last 10: 3-7Streak L1110.5 scored · 122.7 allowed per game2-3 away
- L113-124vs San Antonio SpursDec 22
- W130-122at Memphis GrizzliesDec 21
- L94-119at San Antonio SpursDec 19
- W108-89at Indiana PacersDec 14
- L126-130vs Cleveland CavaliersDec 13
- L116-131vs Atlanta HawksDec 7
- L101-146vs Boston CelticsDec 5
- L102-121at Philadelphia 76ersDec 3
- W129-126vs Milwaukee BucksDec 2
- L86-119at Indiana PacersNov 29
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 |
Box score
| Stat | Washington Wizards | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 40-97 | 42-93 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 45 |
| Three-pointers | 10-35 | 20-50 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 40 |
| Free throws | 19-23 | 22-27 |
| Free throw % | 83 | 81 |
| Rebounds | 49 | 51 |
| Offensive rebounds | 18 | 14 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 37 |
| Assists | 22 | 35 |
| Steals | 3 | 3 |
| Blocks | 7 | 6 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 4 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 1 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 50 | 40 |
| Fouls | 20 | 16 |
| Largest lead | 10 | 19 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 47 | 46 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter80-82Alex Sarr makes 4-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter80-84Tidjane Salaun makes alley oop layup (Miles Bridges assists)
- 3rd Quarter83-84Tre Johnson makes 27-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter84-84Corey Kispert makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-84Corey Kispert makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-85Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter85-86Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter87-86Justin Champagnie makes driving layup (Bub Carrington assists)
- 3rd Quarter87-89Tre Mann makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 3rd Quarter87-90Tidjane Salaun makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter89-90Marvin Bagley III makes 3-foot driving dunk (Corey Kispert assists)
- 3rd Quarter90-90Marvin Bagley III makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter90-91Collin Sexton makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter90-92Collin Sexton makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter90-94LaMelo Ball makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter90-97Collin Sexton makes 23-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter92-97Justin Champagnie makes tip shot
- 4th Quarter92-99LaMelo Ball makes 17-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter92-101Tidjane Salaun makes driving layup (Collin Sexton assists)
- 4th Quarter92-104LaMelo Ball makes 27-foot three point jumper (Kon Knueppel assists)
- 4th Quarter94-104Justin Champagnie makes 2-foot dunk (CJ McCollum assists)
- 4th Quarter96-104Marvin Bagley III makes running layup (Bub Carrington assists)
- 4th Quarter96-105Miles Bridges makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter98-105Khris Middleton makes 9-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter99-105Khris Middleton makes free throw 1 of 3
- 4th Quarter100-105Khris Middleton makes free throw 2 of 3
- 4th Quarter101-105Khris Middleton makes free throw 3 of 3
- 4th Quarter101-108Brandon Miller makes 27-foot three pointer (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter101-110Miles Bridges makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter101-113Brandon Miller makes 27-foot running jump shot (Miles Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter101-116Kon Knueppel makes 22-foot three point jumper (Brandon Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter103-116CJ McCollum makes 17-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter103-119Kon Knueppel makes 26-foot three point jumper (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter105-119Kyshawn George makes 14-foot pullup jump shot (CJ McCollum assists)
- 4th Quarter105-121Miles Bridges makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (LaMelo Ball assists)
- 4th Quarter105-124Kon Knueppel makes 26-foot three point jumper (Miles Bridges assists)
- 4th Quarter107-124Malaki Branham makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter107-125Sion James makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter107-126Sion James makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter109-126Will Riley makes 3-foot two point shot
Win probability
Above the line favours Charlotte Hornets, below favours Washington Wizards.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance18679
- OfficialsPhenizee Ransom, Matt Myers, J.B. DeRosa
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- Wizards Defeat Hornets 95-79 in NBA ClashOct 30, 2026
- Hornets Edge Wizards in Close ContestOct 26, 2026
- Hornets Defeat Wizards 129-112 in NBA ClashFeb 22, 2026
- Hornets Edge Wizards in Close ContestJan 24, 2026
- Hornets Defeat Wizards 139-113 in Capital One ArenaOct 26, 2025