Hornets Edge Wizards in Close Contest
Monday, October 26, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Spectrum Center
Charlotte Hornets 110, Washington Wizards 103, 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 110-103 at Spectrum Center on October 26, 2026.
Who was favored in Washington Wizards vs Charlotte Hornets?
Charlotte Hornets were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The favorite won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the Charlotte Hornets secured a narrow victory over the Washington Wizards, finishing the game with a score of 110-103 at the Spectrum Center. This win improves the Hornets' record to 4-1, while the Wizards fall to 2-3.
The Hornets have shown strong form recently, boasting a 3-1 record in their last four games. They have averaged 111.3 points per game while allowing 107.7 points, indicating a solid offensive and defensive performance. Their recent victories include a win against the Miami Heat, where they triumphed 115-110, and a win against the Brooklyn Nets, with a score of 110-103. However, they did experience a significant loss to the Atlanta Hawks, where they were defeated 81-128. In their last five games, the Hornets have a record of 3-2, scoring an average of 103.2 points and allowing 111.0.
On the other hand, the Wizards have struggled more, with a 2-8 record in their last ten games. They managed to score an average of 117.6 points but allowed an alarming 129.2 points during this stretch. Their recent form includes a victory over the Chicago Bulls, where they won 124-120, but they also suffered losses to the Toronto Raptors (102-112) and the Milwaukee Bucks (128-116). In their last five games, the Wizards have a record of 2-3, with an average of 117.6 points scored and 123.6 points allowed.
When looking at their home and away performances, the Hornets have a home record of 3-2, while the Wizards have struggled on the road with a 1-5 record. This home advantage has been significant for the Hornets, who have been able to capitalize on their home court.
In terms of previous meetings, the Hornets lead the series against the Wizards 1-0 this season. Their last four encounters have seen the Hornets win each time, indicating a favorable matchup for Charlotte. Notably, in their last meeting on February 22, 2026, the Hornets defeated the Wizards 129-112.
Injuries have impacted both teams, with the Hornets missing key players such as Coby White (calf), Kon Knueppel (hamstring), Grant Williams (hamstring), and Kylan Boswell (knee). For the Wizards, Justin Champagnie is listed as day-to-day with a foot injury, while AJ Dybantsa (ankle), Tristan Vukcevic (hip), and Jamir Watkins (knee) are out.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Hornets favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 225.5. The odds for the Hornets' money line were -142.0, while the Wizards were at +120.0.
Conditions during the game were typical for indoor basketball, with no significant external factors affecting the play.
As the game progressed, viewers witnessed several key scoring plays in the fourth quarter. Trae Young made a driving floating jump shot to bring the Wizards within three points at 100-103. However, Brandon Miller responded with a two-point shot and then made a free throw, extending the Hornets' lead. Grayson Allen added crucial free throws to secure the win for Charlotte, despite a late push from Young, who made a fadeaway jump shot to narrow the gap to 103-108. Ultimately, the Hornets' free throws sealed the game.
This matchup showcased the Hornets' ability to maintain composure under pressure, while the Wizards continue to seek consistency as they navigate their season.
What we said beforehand
The Charlotte Hornets will face off against the Washington Wizards at Spectrum Center on October 26, 2026, in a matchup where both teams come in with a 2-1 record. This game is notable not only for the teams' similar standings but also for their recent performances, which have shown flashes of potential despite some inconsistencies.
In their last five games, the Hornets have a record of 2-3, with their most recent result being a win against the Miami Heat, where they triumphed 115-110. Prior to that, they suffered a heavy defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, losing 128-81. Their other two games in this stretch included a win against the Brooklyn Nets (110-103) and losses to the Boston Celtics (114-93) and the Memphis Grizzlies (116-98). The Hornets have averaged 103.2 points scored and allowed 111.0 points in their last five games. At home, they have a record of 3-2, averaging 111.3 points scored and 107.7 points allowed over their last ten home games, with a current winning streak of one.
On the other hand, the Wizards also hold a 2-3 record in their last five games. They recently secured a victory over the Chicago Bulls, winning 124-120, following a loss to the Toronto Raptors (112-102) and a win against the Milwaukee Bucks (128-116). Their earlier games included losses to the Brooklyn Nets (131-122) and the New Orleans Pelicans (107-106). The Wizards have averaged 117.6 points scored and allowed 123.6 points in their last five games. They have struggled away from home, with a record of 1-3 in their last four away games.
Historically, the Hornets have dominated this matchup, winning all four of their previous meetings in the current season. The most recent encounter took place on February 22, 2026, where the Hornets won decisively with a score of 129-112. In their earlier meetings this season, the Hornets also secured victories with scores of 119-115, 126-109, and 139-113. This trend suggests that the Hornets have found a way to effectively counter the Wizards' strategies, making this matchup particularly interesting.
In terms of injuries, the Hornets will be missing several key players, including Kon Knueppel, Coby White, Grant Williams, and Kylan Boswell, all of whom are out due to various injuries. Naz Reid is listed as day-to-day due to illness, which adds uncertainty to their lineup. The Wizards also have their share of absences, with AJ Dybantsa, Tristan Vukcevic, and Jamir Watkins all ruled out for the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, has priced the Hornets as 2.5-point favorites with a money line of -135. The Wizards are listed at +114 on the money line, indicating a competitive matchup. The total points over/under is set at 227.5, reflecting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
As the game approaches, viewers should keep an eye on how the Hornets manage their injuries, particularly the status of Naz Reid, who leads the team in points with an average of 20.0 per game. Dennis Schroder is also a key player for the Hornets, averaging 4.3 assists per game. For the Wizards, Trae Young stands out, averaging 22.3 points and 11.3 assists, making him a pivotal player to watch in this contest. The matchup promises to be an engaging encounter as both teams look to solidify their early season standings.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | CHA -2.5 | 225.5 o -108 / u -112 | Washington Wizards +120 · Charlotte Hornets -142 |
Injury report
- Coby WhiteOutCalfCharlotte Hornets
- Kon KnueppelOutHamstringCharlotte Hornets
- Grant WilliamsOutHamstringCharlotte Hornets
- Kylan BoswellOutKneeCharlotte Hornets
- Justin ChampagnieDay-To-DayFootWashington Wizards
- AJ DybantsaOutAnkleWashington Wizards
- Tristan VukcevicOutHipWashington Wizards
- Jamir WatkinsOutKneeWashington Wizards
Leaders
- PointsBrandon Miller39Charlotte Hornets
- AssistsDennis Schroder5Charlotte Hornets
- ReboundsMoussa Diabate17Charlotte Hornets
- PointsAnthony Davis29Washington Wizards
- AssistsTrae Young10Washington Wizards
- ReboundsAnthony Davis10Washington Wizards
Recent form
Charlotte Hornets
Last 10: 7-3Streak W1111.3 scored · 107.7 allowed per game3-2 at home
- 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
- W127-107vs Phoenix SunsApr 2
- W117-86at Brooklyn NetsMar 31
Washington Wizards
Last 10: 2-8Streak W1117.6 scored · 129.2 allowed per game1-3 away
- 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
- L136-152at Miami HeatApr 4
- L131-153vs Philadelphia 76ersApr 1
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte | - | 1 | W2 | .750 | 3 |
| Atlanta | 1 | 2 | L2 | .500 | 2 |
| Washington | 1 | 2 | L1 | .500 | 2 |
| Orlando | 1.5 | 2 | W1 | .333 | 1 |
| Miami | 3 | 4 | L4 | .000 | 0 |
Box score
| Stat | Washington Wizards | Charlotte Hornets |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 41-85 | 42-97 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 9-28 | 12-39 |
| Three-point % | 32 | 31 |
| Free throws | 12-15 | 14-17 |
| Free throw % | 80 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 54 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 20 |
| Defensive rebounds | 31 | 34 |
| Assists | 21 | 17 |
| Steals | 4 | 8 |
| Blocks | 3 | 5 |
| Turnovers | 14 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 19 | 14 |
| Fast-break points | 4 | 10 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 50 |
| Fouls | 24 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 8 | 8 |
| Time in front | 10 | 82 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter64-68Trae Young makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter64-70Brandon Miller makes 13-foot fade away jump shot
- 3rd Quarter64-72Grayson Allen makes 12-foot running jump shot
- 3rd Quarter64-73Grayson Allen makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter64-76Brandon Miller makes 27-foot three pointer
- 3rd Quarter64-78Ryan Kalkbrenner makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter66-78Trae Young makes 11-foot driving floating jump shot (Deandre Ayton assists)
- 3rd Quarter68-78Trae Young makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter68-79Brandon Miller makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter68-80Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter70-80Kyshawn George makes 1-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter70-82Naz Reid makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter73-82Bub Carrington makes 27-foot three point jumper (Alex Sarr assists)
- 4th Quarter73-84Naz Reid makes 5-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter76-84Bub Carrington makes 24-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 4th Quarter76-86Naz Reid makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter78-86Bilal Coulibaly makes 1-foot running dunk (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter80-86Kyshawn George makes 1-foot dunk (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter82-86Anthony Davis makes 2-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter82-88Naz Reid makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter82-90Brandon Miller makes dunk (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter84-90Kyshawn George makes 5-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter84-93Brandon Miller makes 26-foot three point jumper (Naz Reid assists)
- 4th Quarter84-95Naz Reid makes 9-foot driving floating jump shot (Moussa Diabate assists)
- 4th Quarter84-98Naz Reid makes 24-foot three point jumper (Dennis Schroder assists)
- 4th Quarter87-98Anthony Davis makes 25-foot three point jumper (Tre Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter87-100Dennis Schroder makes 1-foot layup (Moussa Diabate assists)
- 4th Quarter90-100Anthony Davis makes 26-foot three point jumper (Tre Johnson assists)
- 4th Quarter93-100Kyshawn George makes 28-foot three point jumper (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter95-100Kyshawn George makes running layup (Trae Young assists)
- 4th Quarter95-103Naz Reid makes 24-foot three point jumper (Sion James assists)
- 4th Quarter98-103Tre Johnson makes 29-foot three point jumper (Bub Carrington assists)
- 4th Quarter100-103Trae Young makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter100-105Brandon Miller makes 12-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter100-106Brandon Miller makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-107Grayson Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter100-108Grayson Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-108Trae Young makes 23-foot fade away jump shot
- 4th Quarter103-109Grayson Allen makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter103-110Grayson Allen makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Charlotte Hornets, below favours Washington Wizards.
Venue
- Spectrum CenterCharlotte, NC
- Attendance17949
- OfficialsEd Malloy, Eric Dalen, Biniam Maru
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These two, other days
- Wizards Defeat Hornets 95-79 in NBA ClashOct 30, 2026
- Hornets Defeat Wizards 129-112 in NBA ClashFeb 22, 2026
- Hornets Edge Wizards in Close ContestJan 24, 2026
- Hornets Defeat Wizards 126-109 at Spectrum CenterDec 23, 2025
- Hornets Defeat Wizards 139-113 in Capital One ArenaOct 26, 2025