Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Odds & Picks | 02.22.26

Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02.22.26

As the NBA season enters its final stretch, the Charlotte Hornets (26-31) travel to the nation’s capital to face the Washington Wizards (16-39) on February 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM. While Charlotte is fighting to solidify a Play-In position, Washington is navigating a season defined by a staggering injury list. This matchup at Capital One Arena presents a unique opportunity for bettors to capitalize on a heavily skewed spread.

Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards Matchup Preview

Charlotte Hornets Key Stats & Trends

The Hornets rely heavily on the elite playmaking of LaMelo Ball, who leads the team with 7.3 assists and a 19.1 player rating. Sophomore star Brandon Miller has emerged as a premier scoring threat, averaging 20.5 points per game. However, the loss of secondary scoring hurts their depth. Charlotte’s interior defense rests on Ryan Kalkbrenner (6.1 RPG), who must control the paint against a depleted Wizards frontcourt.

Injury Report Charlotte Hornets

• Liam McNeeley (Out): McNeeley (ankle) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Wizards.
• Coby White (Out): White (calf) has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Wizards.

Washington Wizards Key Stats & Trends

Washington is currently a “next man up” roster. With their superstars sidelined, Alondes Williams has stepped up, posting 15.5 PPG and 7.5 RPG. Rookie Kyshawn George has shown flashes of brilliance, leading the active roster in scoring (14.9) and assists (4.7). The Wizards play at a high pace but struggle significantly on the defensive glass, ranking near the bottom of the league in rebounding percentage.

Injury Report Washington Wizards

• Justin Champagnie (Day-to-day): Updating a previous report, Champagnie (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Hornets.
• Tristan Vukcevic (Day-to-day): Vukcevic (hand) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against Charlotte.
• Kyshawn George (Day-to-day): George (toe) is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Hornets.
• Trae Young (Out): Young (knee, quadriceps) will be re-evaluated in one week.
• Anthony Davis (Out): Davis (finger) has yet to be cleared for basketball activities.
• Alex Sarr (Out): Sarr has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain (two-week recovery).
• D’Angelo Russell (Out): Russell remains away from the team indefinitely.
• Cam Whitmore (Out): Whitmore will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 season (venous condition).

Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards Prediction & Best Bet

While the Hornets are the superior team on paper, the 11.5-point spread is excessive for a road favorite missing Coby White. Washington’s young core, led by Alondes Williams, plays with high energy at home. Charlotte’s defensive lapses often allow inferior teams to hang around late into the fourth quarter. We expect a high-possession game with limited defensive resistance from either side.

Prediction: Washington Wizards +11.5 (Spread)

Total Points: over 226.5