Charlotte vs New York Prediction: the Knicks are Gaining Momentum

The Knicks and Hornets have already had a very entertaining regular season, scoring over 130 points. New York now plays a slightly different style, so we shouldn't expect the same results. The bookmakers are giving a far from high total, which the teams are unlikely to reach. 

The Hornets are five wins back of the top 10 in the Eastern Conference, and they will need to work very hard to have any chance of making the playoffs. Charlotte isn't waiting for LaMelo Ball to return and is trying to put up a fight, even against contenders for the championship. They were just a tad short of a win, although in addition to Ball, Gordon Hayward, Mark Williams, Cody Martin, and Dennis Smith, Jr.

Steve Clifford's team took turns failing to Milwaukee, the Clippers, and Brooklyn. In the game with the Nets, they lost by only 1 point shortly before the final buzzer. The result was a 116-122 defeat to Charlotte. Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre contributed under half of their team's points, and Jalen McDaniels and Mason Plumlee were also effective. The defense wasn't up to the task, and the Hornets couldn't do anything about their opponent's relentless mid-range shooting.

The Knicks have altered their style drastically, and the turning point has probably been the return of Quentin Grimes. New York plays more carefully on defense. In 5 previous games, the Knicks had the 3rd best offensive rating in the league. The coach had to shake up the rotation, putting Evan Fournier and Cameron Reddish on the bench. Also, rumors of their possible exchange have already been circulated.

The team's changes are already paying off, as two straight wins have moved New York to ninth place in the Eastern Conference. Last game, the Knicks defeated Atlanta at home, 113-89. Tom Thibodeau's team was constantly on time at the arc and conceded only six three-pointers. Julius Randle had another outstanding match, earning 34 points and hitting six 3-pointers, while Quentin Grimes made 5. Grimes also had two blocked shots, while big men Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein did not block any.

The Knicks confidently beat a top-6 club in the Eastern Conference, although Jalen Brunson and R.J. Barrett failed against Atlanta, hitting just 6 of 27 shots. Randle is in great shape, and Grimes is finally coming back from injury, so New York will be tough to stop now. Steve Clifford is making the most out of the current Hornets, but that's only good enough for 13th place. Charlotte does not have anyone to replace Dennis Smith Jr., not to mention Lamelo Ball, who already performed at a near-star level last season. The Knicks have already beaten the Hornets this season, and Tom Thibodeau's team can repeat their success on the road.

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