Hornets vs. Knicks Prediction and Odds for Wednesday, October 26 (New York's Depth, Defense Can Cover vs Charlotte)

Two 2-1 squads pull up to Madison Square Garden for an early season Eastern Conference matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks.

The Hornets are 2-0 away from home so far, scoring an average of 127.5 points in road wins at San Antonio and Atlanta, while losing by double digits to New Orleans in between.

The Knicks have bounced back with two excellent performances at home after a tough 115-112 overtime loss at Memphis to begin the year. But with both victories coming against projected lottery teams in Detroit and Orlando, there may not be too much to take away.

Both teams are rested and ready, having played last Sunday and Monday respectively. Who's got the edge this Wednesday?

Here are the latest odds from New York city this evening:

Hornets vs. Knicks Odds, Spread and Total

Hornets vs. Knicks Prediction and Pick

For two teams that finished 10th and 11th in the Eastern Conference standings a year ago, all four of their games a season ago were decided by eight points or more with the Hornets taking three of four and covering the spread in all three wins.

Tonight, I'll back the healthier team in New York to cover at home, as the Hornets enter tonight without LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier and Cody Martin. Between the three, that's a combined 47.1 points-per-game, 14.6 assists-per-game, and 13.9 rebounds-per-game. The Knicks own the fifth-best defensive rating in the league this year, albeit a small sample size, but they were also top 11 a season ago.

New York has gotten exactly what they've needed from Jalen Brunson after signing as a free agent as well, averaging just under 18 points and 7 assists per game. It's also made life easier for Julius Randle, leading the Knicks in both scoring (21.3 PPG) and rebounding (9.7) in the early going.

New York has the advantage at home, with their depth, and with their defense to not just win, but cover as Charlotte plays their third of four games away from home.

I'll back the Knicks laying the 7, but given where the line has moved at several other books, I don't know if this will last.

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.