The Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets meet Wednesday to commence their 2026-27 NBA seasons. Tip from Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let's analyze NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Nets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2025-26 season series: Hornets won 2-1, including a split in Brooklyn
The Hornets finished ninth in the Eastern Conference a season ago, beating the Miami Heat but losing to the Orlando Magic in the Play-In Tournament. They opted to make a major franchise change this offseason. Charlotte sent G LaMelo Ball, the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, to the Minnesota Timberwolves for veteran F Naz Reid and a slew of draft picks, freeing up cap space down the road
for F Brandon Miller and rising star F Kon Knueppel. The Hornets also sent F Miles Bridges to the Phoenix Suns for G Grayson Allen and F Royce O'Neale.
The Nets had an equally exciting offseason after a dismal 20-62 finish to the 2025-26 season. They were 13th in the Eastern Conference. They drafted G Mikel Brown Jr. from the Louisville Cardinals with the sixth overall pick, and added F Julius Randle in a trade with Minnesota. Randle will be able to anchor the team's frontcourt alongside F Michael Porter Jr. The Nets are tied with the Kings for the worst odds to win the NBA Finals at +100000.
Watch the NBA on Fubo!
Hornets at Nets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:18 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hornets -118 (bet $118 to win $100) | Nets -102 (bet $102 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +1.5 (-105) | Nets -1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Hornets at Nets key injuries
Hornets
- F Kon Knueppel (hamstring) out
- G Coby White (calf) out
- F Grant Williams (hamstring) out
Nets
- None
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Nets picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 111, Hornets 106
Moneyline
BET NETS (-102).
Too much went on within the Charlotte organization to expect them to have things figured out early on. Ball was the main playmaker for their offense over the last half a decade, and his absence will take adjusting to. Knueppel and White being out means the Hornets will be short 40% of their projected starting lineup.
For the Nets, being at home should help, and allowing Randle to be the creator for the offense should give them a much-needed weapon. Randle had that role during his 5 seasons with the Knicks and scored at least 24 points per game in 3 of those years. Brooklyn may have a rough season, but he should keep some offensive consistency, at least enough to come out on top against an injured Charlotte side.
Against the spread
PASS.
The spread and moneyline are similar here, but the preferred route and better value is Brooklyn to win outright.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 219.5 (-110).
The Hornets are likely swapping out White and Knueppel for Allen and G Dennis Schroder, neither of which is close to the caliber of scoring threat. Charlotte has frontcourt size, which should limit opportunities on the offensive glass for Brooklyn.
At the same time, Reid has the frame and aptitude to match up well and make life challenging for either Porter Jr. or Randle. Brooklyn finished 25th in offensive rating last season, and both teams ranked in the bottom three (Nets 29th and Hornets 28th) in turnover percentage. Expect a sloppy game and limited scoring.
Best prop bet
Nets F JULIUS RANDLE OVER 18.5 POINTS (-111).
Randle is the main weapon for Brooklyn, and as noted above, he thrives as a scorer with the ball in his hands. Without a lot of frontcourt depth, Randle should get ample run to open the season. He shot 48.1% from the field last season, which was well over his career high. In 27 career ganes against Charlotte, Randle has average 19.5 points per game.
Betting odds calculator
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Follow SportsbookWire on X at SportsBookWire and on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | Lakers Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
This article originally appeared on Sportsbook Wire: Charlotte Hornets at Brooklyn Nets odds, picks and predictions
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
