If you’re just looking at the Eastern Conference standings, you might think the Hawks vs Hornets matchup is just another mid-season slog between two teams fighting for play-in scraps. You’d be wrong. Dead wrong. This isn't just a regional I-85 rivalry anymore. It’s become a strange, high-scoring laboratory for the future of the NBA.
Honestly, the energy when these two meet is chaotic. We’re talking about a series where the "underdog" tag basically means nothing. Take their most recent meeting on December 18, 2025. Atlanta walked into Charlotte as 5-point favorites. They left with a 133-126 loss. Jalen Johnson put up a monstrous 43 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists—nearly a 40-point triple-double—and it still wasn't enough to beat a Hornets team that was supposedly struggling.
The Jalen Johnson and Kon Knueppel Factor
Most people still talk about Trae Young and LaMelo Ball when they preview Hawks vs Hornets. But if you’ve been watching the 2025-26 season, you know the narrative has shifted. Trae and LaMelo are the stars, sure, but the engines are different now.
Jalen Johnson has transformed into a legitimate Tier-1 superstar. He’s currently averaging 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 8.2 assists. That’s not just "good for a young guy." That’s historic. He’s been putting up triple-doubles like he’s playing 2K on rookie mode.
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On the other side, Charlotte has found a gem in Kon Knueppel. The rookie from Duke is basically a flamethrower. In that December win against Atlanta, Knueppel dropped 28 points and hit six triples. He’s currently challenging Cooper Flagg for Rookie of the Year honors, which seemed impossible a few months ago.
- Jalen Johnson (ATL): 22.8 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 8.2 APG
- Kon Knueppel (CHA): 19.0 PPG, 40.5% 3PT
- LaMelo Ball (CHA): 19.4 PPG, 8.5 APG (Dealing with recurring ankle issues)
What Most People Get Wrong About This Rivalry
There’s a common misconception that Atlanta dominates this series because they have the deeper playoff resume. Historically, it's actually incredibly tight. Out of 131 regular-season meetings, Atlanta has won 68. That’s a razor-thin margin.
The games are also much higher scoring than the betting lines usually predict. The over/under for their last game was set at 240.5, and they flew past it. Why? Because neither team really prioritizes transition defense when they play each other. It becomes a track meet.
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If you're betting on the Hawks vs Hornets game, ignore the home-court advantage. Atlanta is actually better against the spread on the road (10-6) than they are at State Farm Arena. Charlotte, meanwhile, tends to play "spoiler" exceptionally well when they are home underdogs.
The Roster Shifts You Missed
You've probably noticed some new faces if you haven't checked the box scores in a few weeks. The Hawks made a massive move in early January 2026, bringing in CJ McCollum and Corey Kispert from Washington. They also added Kristaps Porzingis over the summer to anchor the middle.
Charlotte isn't the same "young and lost" team either. They’ve added veteran stability with Pat Connaughton and Mason Plumlee, though injuries have been a nightmare for them lately. LaMelo Ball is still the heartbeat, but when his ankles act up, the offense now flows through Knueppel and Brandon Miller.
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Looking Ahead: The February 8 Showdown
The next time these two meet is February 8, 2026, at State Farm Arena. It’s going to be a massive game for seeding. Atlanta (15-13) is hovering around the 7th spot, while Charlotte (9-18) is desperately trying to claw back into the 10th spot for a play-in berth.
Expect the Hawks to lean heavily on the Porzingis-Johnson frontcourt. Charlotte doesn't really have the size to match up with a 7'2" unicorn and a 6'8" point-forward who plays like LeBron-lite. However, if Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller get hot from the perimeter, Charlotte can erase a 15-point lead in about four minutes.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors:
- Watch the injury report for LaMelo Ball: Charlotte's offensive rating drops by nearly 8 points when he’s out, even with Knueppel’s emergence.
- Bet the "Over" on Jalen Johnson's rebounds: The Hornets give up the 3rd most rebounds to opposing power forwards.
- Road Warriors: Atlanta covers the spread significantly more often when playing away from Georgia.
- Live Betting: This matchup is famous for "runs." If one team goes up by 12 in the first quarter, the value usually sits with the trailing team to make a comeback before halftime.
Keep an eye on the defensive rotations. Quin Snyder has been experimenting with a zone that Charlotte historically struggles to crack. If the Hawks stay disciplined, they should take the next one, but as we saw in December, the Hornets have a habit of making things weird.