The Washington Wizards (7-41) and Charlotte Hornets (12-34) square off in a battle between two struggling teams, both dealing with injuries. With Jordan Poole (GTD) for Washington and Vasilije Micic (GTD) for Charlotte, the game could shift depending on their availability. Additionally, LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, and Josh Okogie remain out for the Hornets, while…
The Washington Wizards (7-41) and Charlotte Hornets (12-34) square off in a battle between two struggling teams, both dealing with injuries. With Jordan Poole (GTD) for Washington and Vasilije Micic (GTD) for Charlotte, the game could shift depending on their availability. Additionally, LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, and Josh Okogie remain out for the Hornets, while the Wizards are missing Marvin Bagley, Saddiq Bey, and Alex Sarr.
Expect a fast-paced game with minimal defense, making it a potential high-scoring contest.
Projected Player Stats & Key Matchups
Washington Wizards Projections
๐น Jordan Poole (GTD) โ 22 PTS, 3 REB, 5 AST
โ
If he plays, expect high usage and shot attempts.
โ
Efficiency will be key; Hornets’ defense is weak but inconsistent.
โ ๏ธ If he doesnโt play, Kuzma and Valanciunas will take on bigger roles.
๐น Kyle Kuzma (PF) โ 25 PTS, 8 REB, 4 AST
โ
Will be the primary scorer if Poole sits.
โ
Attacking Miles Bridges could be an advantage in mismatch situations.
๐น Bilal Coulibaly (SG) โ 14 PTS, 5 REB, 2 AST, 1 STL
โ
Strong defensive presence but limited offensive ceiling.
๐น Keyonte George (SF) โ 13 PTS, 4 REB, 3 AST
โ
Decent secondary scorer, could have a big game if Poole sits.
๐น Jonas Valanฤiลซnas (C) โ 18 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST, 1 BLK
โ
Huge size advantage over Mark Williams, expect a double-double.
โ
Washington needs to feed him inside to stay competitive.
Charlotte Hornets Projections
๐น Vasilije Micic (GTD) โ 16 PTS, 6 AST, 3 REB
โ
If he plays, he controls Charlotteโs offense with Ball out.
โ ๏ธ If he doesnโt play, Nick Smith & Josh Green will take over playmaking.
๐น Miles Bridges (PF) โ 24 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
โ
Should be the top scoring option with LaMelo out.
โ
Biggest offensive threat on the floor for Charlotte.
๐น Josh Green (SF) โ 12 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST
โ
Plays a 3&D role, with limited scoring ceiling.
๐น Nick Smith (SG) โ 15 PTS, 5 REB, 4 AST
โ
More shot volume if Micic sits.
โ
Will contribute across multiple categories.
๐น Mark Williams (C) โ 11 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK
โ
Tough matchup vs. Valanciunas, but should still grab double-digit rebounds.
Game Prediction & Betting Angles
๐ Predicted Final Score: Hornets 112 – Wizards 107
- If Poole plays, Washingtonโs offense will be more dynamic but still inconsistent.
- If Poole sits, expect Kuzma and Valanciunas to carry the Wizards.
- Hornets should win due to better rebounding & Bridgesโ scoring.
Best Betting Props Based on Projections ๐
๐ฐ 1. Jonas Valanciunas Over 10.5 Rebounds (-110)
- Huge rebounding edge vs. Mark Williams.
- No Bagley = more minutes for JV.
๐ฐ 2. Miles Bridges Over 22.5 Points (-115)
- With LaMelo out, heโs the go-to scorer.
- Wizards’ defense is weak vs. wings.
๐ฐ 3. Kyle Kuzma Over 24.5 Points (-110)
- If Poole sits, Kuzma will take over offensively.
- Weak Hornets defense could lead to a big night.
๐ฐ 4. Nick Smith Over 4.5 Assists (-105)
- Will get more playmaking duties if Micic is limited or out.
Final Verdict: Hornets Win & Bridges/Kuzma Shine ๐
This game should be a fast-paced, high-scoring contest with poor defense on both sides. The Hornets have slightly more firepower, making them the favorite. However, prop bets on Kuzma, Bridges, and Valanciunas look the best based on expected usage.
๐ Final Pick: Hornets -3 & Valanciunas Over 10.5 Rebounds!
Do you agree with the picks? Let me know in the comments and share your best bets for this matchup! ๐๐ฅ
