Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks face off in the sixth round of the group stage of the 2024 NBA Cup Group A of the Eastern Conference. It’s worth noting that all tournament games also count towards the regular season, except for the final. The match, which will be held at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, will begin this Friday (29th) at 2 PM (Brasília time).
The Hornets are looking to bounce back after three losses, while the Knicks aim for the top spot in the group.
Our Predictions: New York Knicks to Win
Both Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks are coming off losses to the Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks, respectively. Notably, the New York team is in better form and has a superior squad. Therefore, the prediction is a win for the Knicks.
The New York Knicks boast the second-best offense of the season. However, their defense has been struggling, which could be problematic against an inspired LaMelo Ball from the Charlotte Hornets. Thus, the betting tip is on the over points market.
Latest news and stats for the Charlotte Hornets
With 18 games played so far this season, Charles Lee’s Charlotte Hornets are 12th in the Eastern Conference with six wins and 12 losses. Currently, the North Carolina team is on a three-game losing streak, the most recent being a 98-94 loss to the Miami Heat.
In the loss to the Heat, the Hornets converted 37.8% of their total shots and 33.3% from beyond the arc. Their most productive players were LaMelo Ball, with a double-double of 32 points and ten rebounds, plus seven assists; Brandon Miller, with 21 points, two rebounds, three assists, and one block; and Tidjane Salaun, with 17 points, four rebounds, two assists, and three steals.
Latest news and stats for the New York Knicks
Meanwhile, Tom Thibodeau’s New York Knicks are fourth in the Eastern Conference with ten wins and eight losses. Despite being in a positive phase, the New York franchise is coming off a 129-114 loss to the Dallas Mavericks on the road.
In the loss to the Mavs, the Knicks made 46.5% of their overall shots and 24.1% from three-point range. Their standout players were Jalen Brunson, who scored 37 points, three rebounds, seven assists, and two steals; Karl-Anthony Towns, with a double-double of 25 points and 14 rebounds, plus four assists and one block; and Mikal Bridges, responsible for 20 points and five rebounds.