Brooklyn Nets vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 10/22/25, 3:45 PM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 10/22/25 at 9:40 PM in NBA Picks

The Charlotte Hornets, taking on the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, begin their new NBA campaign with a measured sense of optimism, looking to build on the momentum of last season's playoff appearance. While their postseason run was brief, it marked an important step in the team's development, signaling that their young core is beginning to mature into a cohesive unit.

Their preseason performances have shown flashes of progress, particularly on the offensive end, where ball movement and spacing have improved. Still, the Hornets' reliance on perimeter shooting remains a double-edged sword — when their three-point rhythm clicks, they're capable of outpacing nearly any opponent, but prolonged cold stretches have often exposed their lack of inside scoring.

Defensively, Charlotte remains somewhat unpredictable. Though the team features athletic and energetic defenders, they've struggled to maintain consistency, particularly when facing quicker, guard-heavy lineups. Transition defense and rebounding remain areas of concern that could shape the early part of their season.

The Nets enter this matchup as a more experienced and structured outfit. After a turbulent period defined by major roster changes, Brooklyn now fields a balanced squad built on depth, defense, and veteran leadership. Their form toward the end of last season was uneven, alternating between promising stretches and frustrating inconsistency, but the team finished the year with signs of stability.

The preseason mirrored that pattern — flashes of chemistry mixed with shooting lulls — yet there's a sense that Brooklyn's foundation is sturdier than Charlotte's. Their roster construction emphasizes flexibility and defensive coverage across multiple positions, giving them an edge in controlling tempo and managing mismatches.