NBA 2024-2025: Oklahoma City Thunder vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction

Oklahoma City Thunder

Home Team

96.8%

121.0 pts

Charlotte Hornets

Away Team

3.2%

104.9 pts

2025-03-21

Key Prediction Insights

The Oklahoma City Thunder are predicted to win against the Charlotte Hornets with a commanding 96.8% probability. The anticipated scoreline is 121.0 for the Thunder and 104.9 for the Hornets. The starting five for the Thunder includes Aaron Wiggins, Cason Wallace, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein. For the Hornets, the expected starters are LaMelo Ball, DaQuan Jeffries, Josh Green, Miles Bridges, and Jusuf Nurkić.

Game Analysis

In their recent outings, the Oklahoma City Thunder are on a three-game winning streak with impressive victories over the Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Detroit Pistons, showcasing both offensive firepower and defensive resilience. The Thunder's lineup, led by the prolific Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaging nearly 33 points per game, combines strong offensive ratings, with Gilgeous-Alexander boasting a remarkable 129.5, and solid defensive performances, notably from Chet Holmgren with a 103.9 defensive rating. Conversely, the Charlotte Hornets have experienced a mixed run, winning against the New York Knicks but suffering heavy losses to the Atlanta Hawks and Los Angeles Clippers. The Hornets' starting five have struggled defensively, with all players posting defensive ratings above 112, which could be a significant disadvantage against a high-scoring Thunder team. Offensively, while LaMelo Ball leads with an average of 25.36 points per game, the team’s overall offensive ratings suggest challenges in matching the Thunder's scoring capabilities.

Final Prediction

The Thunder's recent form and the balanced offensive and defensive capabilities of their starting lineup give them a decisive edge over the Hornets. A key factor to watch will be the performance of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose scoring ability could be crucial in exploiting the Hornets' defensive vulnerabilities. The Thunder seem well-positioned to extend their winning streak.