Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets Picks, Prediction, and Preview

The Golden State Warriors make a cross-country trip to the Spectrum Center in lovely North Carolina for an inter-conference battle with the Charlotte Hornets on Friday night. The Warriors (11-1) are off to a scorching start, winning 10 of their first 11 games and sitting atop the Western Conference. The Hornets (7-7) are playing promising basketball, but are struggling on the defensive end through 14 games. Golden State opens this matchup as road favorites.

Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Lines

At Basketball Insiders, we get all of our game lines and information from the best betting sites. All of the game lines that are featured below are taken from BetUS.

Point Spread: Golden State Warriors -5
Money Line: GS -210/CHA +175
Total: Over/Under 227

Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets Injury Report

Golden State remains without superstar Klay Thompson, who is expected to be out until at least Christmas. Damion Lee (hip) is a game-time decision. Draymond Green was out there Friday against Chicago, so he should be ready to roll for this matchup. James Wiseman (knee) suffered a setback and will remain out until Nov. 21st. 

The Hornets will be without P.J. Washington, who will be out of action until at least Nov.17 with an injured elbow. They have otherwise remained injury-free, which is a positive sign considering their issues last season.

Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview 

Chef Curry and the Warriors Cookin’ Early On

Stephen Curry is making his case for early-season MVP with his red-hot start. The 33-year-old is playing like he’s 23, averaging 27.4 points and 6.5 dimes. He’s had to carry most of the offensive load with Klay Thompson and James Wiseman on the sideline, but Andrew Wiggins has provided some punch. The former Timberwolves top pick has chipped in 17.4 points and 4.3 boards. As a team, the Warriors lead the NBA in points per game, assists, and steals. They are assisting on a whopping 70.7% of their buckets, tops in the league. They look like a contender in the West, and that will be all the more evident when Thompson returns. 

40 Points
9 Threes
What a show 💫@UAbasketball || Second Look pic.twitter.com/8zKW19XWYa

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) November 13, 2021

In addition to their offensive prowess, Golden State has been playing defense on an elite level through the first 12 games of the year. Opposing teams are shooting a paltry 42% from the floor, with Draymond limiting anything easy under the rim. They lead the association in defensive rating and are pleased with Jordan Poole’s development on the defensive end from last year.

Bridges and Ball Carrying New-Age Hornets 

Miles Bridges dropped 24 points and made a handful of high-flying dunks as the Hornets topped the Knicks 104-96 two nights ago. LaMelo Ball added a career-high 17 rebounds to go with 12 points for the big home win. This is just the second win in Charlotte’s last five games after a strong start. 

TAKE OFF MILES‼️ ✈️@MilesBridges | @HornetsOnBally pic.twitter.com/b055piLZJ6

— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) November 13, 2021

The Hornets are scoring in buckets to start the year, averaging 114.5 points per game on 45% shooting. Miles Bridges has seen a career resurgence in his third season. The Michigan State product is averaging 21.3 points and 7.5 boards through 14 games. Although putting up impressive offensive statistics, Charlotte has been lackluster on the defensive side of the ball, ranking 28th in defensive rating through two weeks. They’ve been getting pushed around on the glass, ranking next to last in rebounding percentage and giving up a league-worst 118 points per game. It’s safe to assume both extremes to average out over the course of the year. Are the Hornets this bad defensively? Probably not, but they won’t sit 2nd in the NBA in points per game too much longer either. 

Golden State Warriors vs. Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Pick

Steph and the Warriors are 6-0-1 against the spread in their last seven games and have won seven in a row overall. The Hornets are scoring in buckets to start the year, averaging 114.5 points per game on 45% shooting. Miles Bridges has seen a career resurgence in his third season. The Michigan State product is averaging 21.3 points and 7.5 boards through 15 games. He dropped 24 two nights ago and has flourished alongside LaMelo.  

With that being said, Draymond Green is tasked with shutting down the youngster and he has been playing D at an extremely high level. A minor regression should be anticipated over the next month with Bridges, and that starts with this matchup at home. The Warriors have won 11 of their last 15 games against the Hornets. Draymond suited up in Golden State’s massacre of the Chicago Bulls on Friday, so he should be out there for this road tilt. Take the Warriors to win easily and cover the number.