Charlotte Hornets @ New York Knicks 10/17/2025
The preseason is all about rhythm, rotation battles, and setting the tone. But it’s also a savvy time for bettors to find edges before the regular-season numbers settle. Friday night at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks host the Charlotte Hornets in NBA Preseason Matchday 3. New York comes in having split results lately and just dropped its last outing at home, while Charlotte arrives fresh off a strong home showing. The recent head-to-head says Knicks—they’ve taken four of the last five meetings across all competitions. But the most recent clash? That went Charlotte’s way, a notable reminder that this matchup isn’t a one-way street.
For those scanning NBA odds and preseason markets, the moneyline, spread, and total each offer a different angle. New York’s home-court comfort, early rotation structure, and depth tend to travel well into October. Meanwhile, Charlotte’s young core has flashed energy and pace that can tilt a preseason game, especially against second units. We’ll break down where the value sits on moneyline, spread, and totals, and give you our three best NBA predictions for Knicks vs. Hornets, plus a few betting trends to keep top of mind. If you’re building slips and comparing prices across sportsbooks, stick around—there are actionable edges here.
See how the NBA betting odds line up ahead of the regular season and find out which teams are favorites to win it all.
Our betting predictions for the match Charlotte Hornets @ New York Knicks
Tip 1: Spread pick – Knicks to cover the -3.5
In the preseason, rotations and coaching philosophy matter. New York typically emphasizes defensive structure and rebounding even in October. That approach, combined with a deeper wing rotation and veteran stability, often creates separation in second and third periods when benches define the flow. Charlotte’s talent is exciting, but the Hornets can swing from spirited stretches to turnover-prone pockets. We project New York to control possessions and win the glass, which translates to -3.5 Spread at -105 with BetMGM Sportsbook.
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Tip 2: Moneyline – New York Knicks to Win
At the Garden, the Knicks tend to set a physical tone and win the possession battle. Even with preseason minutes management, New York’s core decision-makers (and their two-way wings) help them manage runs and close quarters cleanly. The Hornets’ recent head-to-head high note is a caution flag, but across multiple meetings, New York has been the steadier side. We give the Knicks a clear—but not overwhelming—edge to take this one outright.
Tip 3: Total – Lean Under 220 Points
Preseason totals can look inflated when you remember how uneven execution gets once deeper bench units enter. New York’s defense-first identity, plus Charlotte’s tendency to go through cold spells, suggests a scoring profile that sits slightly below market expectations. Pace could tick up early, but shot quality and second-unit efficiency often trend down as the game progresses. Pick: Under 220 Points at -112 with bet365.
Betting trends you should know
- – New York has won four of the last five head-to-head meetings across all competitions.
- – The most recent meeting tilted toward Charlotte, underscoring volatility when the Hornets’ core is healthy and clicking.
- – Knicks enter 3-2 across their last five; Hornets are 2-3 across the same span.
- – New York’s most recent outing at home finished with a negative margin; execution dipped late.
- – Charlotte’s latest game ended with a strong positive margin behind an uptempo offensive rhythm.
- – Preseason rotations often trim minutes for top starters; second-unit battles can swing spreads and totals.
- – Garden games in October often skew toward New York’s physicality and rebounding edge.
Team Statistics
- – Recent form snapshot:
- – Recent form snapshot: – Knicks: 3 wins, 2 losses in their last five outings (all competitions).
- – Hornets: 2 wins, 3 losses in their last five outings (all competitions).
- – Efficiency and style notes:
- – New York: Emphasis on half-court execution, paint touches leading to kick-outs, and second-chance creation. Turnovers tend to be controlled, with disciplined foul rates and a rebounding margin that often tilts in their favor.
- – Charlotte: When the Hornets are at their best, they generate early-clock looks, drive-and-kick threes, and draw fouls off downhill attacks. Variability shows up in turnover spikes and defensive rebounding stretches.
Keyplayer Statistics/Momentum/External Factors
- – New York Knicks:
- Player Spotlights: Jalen Brunson’s decision-making and late-clock poise set the tone for New York’s half-court efficiency, while Karl-Anthony Towns’ spacing and touch give the Knicks a multi-level scoring threat that stretches opposing bigs. The duo’s on-court synergy, plus the Knicks’ wing depth, underpins our confidence in a home win and a potential spread cover.
- – Momentum: Despite a recent stumble, New York’s structure rarely falls apart for long stretches; that’s why they carry a higher moneyline probability.
- – External factors: Home-court routines at Madison Square Garden matter; communication on switches and closeouts typically looks sharper at home.
- Charlotte Hornets:
- Player Spotlights: LaMelo Ball’s flair as a table-setter fuels Charlotte’s pace—when his rhythm passes turn into early makes, the Hornets’ offense becomes far harder to contain. Miles Bridges provides a physical scoring presence on the wing, attacking closeouts and cleaning the glass. If their chemistry clicks, Charlotte can punch above preseason expectations.
- Momentum: Coming off a strong home performance, Charlotte’s mood and pace are trending up.
- External factors: Preseason travel and rotations can limit continuity; if second units struggle to finish possessions, that leans toward New York controlling the middle quarters.
Last direct match: New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets
– The most recent meeting went Charlotte’s way. Framed as per-game averages for that contest, Charlotte averaged 115.0 points while New York averaged 98.0 points, a margin of 17.0 points for the Hornets. That result is notable, but across the last five head-to-heads, New York has had the upper hand with four wins to Charlotte’s one.
Performance last 5 matches
- – New York Knicks: 3 wins, 2 losses (all competitions)
- – Charlotte Hornets: 2 wins, 3 losses (all competitions)
Last match results: New York Knicks and Charlotte Hornets
- – New York Knicks: In their latest outing at home, they averaged 103.0 points scored and allowed 120.0 points, resulting in a negative margin.
- – Charlotte Hornets: In their most recent game at home, they averaged 145.0 points scored and allowed 116.0 points, a strong positive margin.
New York Knicks: Current form
- – Record trend: Positive 3-2 over the last five.
- – Offensive profile: Half-court patience, paint touches into kick-outs, solid free-throw generation when attackers get downhill. Expect league-average or better three-point volume with attention to corner spacing.
- – Defensive profile: Closeouts are crisp at home; steals and blocks come from disciplined rotations rather than gambling. Low turnover output from the offense keeps transition points allowed in check.
- – Rebounding: Emphasis on both ORB and DRB; second-chance points are a differentiator.
- – Discipline: Balanced personal fouls and controlled turnovers support a lower-variance floor.
- – Preseason minutes: Expect balanced MPG distribution, with the coaching staff testing pairings while maintaining defensive identity.
Charlotte Hornets: Current form
- – Record trend: 2-3 over the last five, but trending up after a big offensive outing in the most recent game.
- – Offensive profile: Pace-driven, reliant on the lead guard’s playmaking and wings finishing in rhythm. When shooters space properly, assist numbers climb, and the offense hums.
- – Defensive profile: The key is glass control and limiting second-chance looks; when the Hornets secure the defensive board, transition chances can flip momentum.
- – Variability: Turnovers and shot selection can swing outcomes; when stabilized, Charlotte’s ceiling rises quickly.
- – Preseason minutes: Emphasis on evaluating young pieces, which can mean short spurts of high energy followed by chemistry dips.
TrustnBet Final Thoughts
Our three tips are anchored in matchup profile, recent form, and preseason rotational tendencies. We’re on Knicks to cover because New York’s defense, rebounding, and structure typically create separation against second units—especially at the Garden. We back the Knicks’ moneyline with a 61% win probability given their steadier shot profile and possession control. And we lean toward the total based on defensive intensity, bench-unit shooting variance, and a likely mid-game tempo dip once rotations deepen. For those scanning NBA odds and hunting preseason value, these angles track with the recent head-to-head trend (four of the last five to New York) while respecting Charlotte’s uptick in form. Use this preview to compare prices across sportsbooks, keep an eye on any late rotation notes, and remember: preseason is about finding the small edges before the market catches up.
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