Charlotte Hornets vs Brooklyn Nets Picks and Predictions October 22nd 2025

Brooklyn Nets vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview

The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets both enter the 2025-26 NBA season looking for fresh starts after missing last year’s playoffs. They open the new campaign Wednesday night at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

Brooklyn went 26-56 last season and hasn’t won a playoff game since 2021. Coach Jordi Fernández leads a young roster anchored by Cam Thomas, who averaged 24 points per game last season. Thomas will again carry a heavy scoring load, and Fernández expects him to take another step as a two-way player.

Charlotte, under second-year coach Charles Lee, continues to build around LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges. Ball played 47 games last season and averaged 25.2 points and 7.4 assists, while Bridges added 20.3 points and 7.5 rebounds. Both aim to lead the Hornets to relevance in the Eastern Conference.

For bettors tracking more early-season matchups, visit the NBA previews page

Line Movement and Odds

The latest odds on the NBA odds board list Charlotte as a 5-point favorite at home, with the total sitting at 227.5. The line opened at Hornets -4.5 and 228.

Sharp bettors have leaned slightly toward Brooklyn, while public money remains on the home team. The moneyline shows the Hornets at -197 and the Nets at +165. Early handle reports suggest about 60% of tickets favor Charlotte, but larger wagers have landed on Brooklyn to cover.

Matchup Breakdown

The Nets’ success hinges on offensive rhythm from Cam Thomas and Michael Porter Jr., who combined for strong preseason efforts. Brooklyn shot above 46% from the field in its final three tune-ups and can challenge the Hornets’ defense in transition.

Charlotte’s offense will revolve around LaMelo Ball’s playmaking and Collin Sexton’s energy at both ends. The Hornets scored 145 in a recent home win against Memphis, showing improved tempo and spacing. Defensively, however, consistency remains an issue — something Brooklyn’s backcourt can exploit.

For bettors studying broader matchup trends, review team ATS history and totals data at the NBA game results section

Injuries and Conditions

Brooklyn Nets Injury Report: Cam Johnson (ankle) remains questionable, while rookie Egor Demin is expected to be active. See full Nets injury report

Charlotte Hornets Injury Report: LaMelo Ball (wrist soreness) is probable, and rookie Brandon Miller will play limited minutes. See full Hornets injury report

No weather concerns since the game is indoors at Spectrum Center.

Best Bets and Prediction

Brooklyn’s depth and outside shooting give it a path to cover. The Hornets’ offense can be streaky, and early-season defense may lag. Expect the Nets to stay within the number.

Projected Score: Hornets 114, Nets 111
Best Bet: Nets +5
Lean: Under 227.5

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