Warriors vs Hornets Prediction 18 January 2026
🔊 The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the Charlotte Hornets promises to be thrilling. This game holds significant importance for both teams, as the hosts are in the play-in zone and still have a shot at breaking into the Top 6, while the visitors are clinging to hopes of making it into the coveted top ten in the East. Can Ball and his squad spin their offensive carousel against the formidable defense of the Californians? Let's break down the contest and offer a well-founded prediction.
Head-to-Head
📊Statistical analysis of previous official games between the teams Golden State Warriors and Charlotte Hornets:
- played 38 matches;
- wins (including extra time): 23 for today's home team and 15 for the guests;
- the home team averages 108.63 points per match, the guests - 102.63;
- average total match points - 211.26.
The last confrontation took place on 31 December 2025 at the venue of Charlotte Hornets and ended with a score of 125:132.
Head-to-head statistics Warriors - Hornets

Golden State Warriors Team Overview
The Golden State Warriors are delivering consistent performances this season, securing 23 wins out of 42 games. In their last five outings, the team has claimed four victories with just one loss, highlighting their good form and player confidence. Their average scoring prowess allows them to dominate opponents with a potent offense and solid defense, conceding 113.2 points on average, ranking 8th.
Their biggest threat to opponents comes from beyond the arc, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.2%, placing them 11th in the league-one of the Warriors' key strengths. In their previous matchup, Kerr's squad confidently defeated a strong New York team (126-113). Butler, Curry, and Moody were the standout performers, collectively scoring the lion's share of points (80 in total).
Match Results: Golden State Warriors

Charlotte Hornets Team Overview
The Charlotte Hornets are showing inconsistent results but continue to fight for a better position in the Eastern Conference. Out of their last five games, the team has won only twice, suffering three losses. However, it's worth noting their ability to stay afloat even in tough conditions-their average points scored on the road exceed 111 in nearly all recent away games. Their main strengths lie in aggressive offense and reliability around the rim.
In their last outing, the Hornets delivered arguably their best performance of the past month, impressively defeating the Lakers on the road (135-117). Ball, Miller, and Bridges dismantled the opposing defense, scoring at will. Now, they need to maintain this level in upcoming games. If they succeed, Charlotte could become a contender for the play-in tournament.
Match Results: Charlotte Hornets
Prediction for the 1st quarter
Head-to-Head Matches:
- Total encounters - 38;
- First quarter wins at home for the hosts - 13; for the visitors on the road - 5;
- Average total points in the first quarter: 53.18;
- Today's home team averages 27.95, while the visitors average 25.24.
First Quarter Stats: Golden State Warriors (home) vs Charlotte Hornets (away)
- Tournament matches played: 24 vs 25;
- Number of wins: 9 (37.5%) vs 9 (36%);
- Number of losses: 14 (58.33%) vs 15 (60%);
- Number of draws: 1 (4.17%) vs 1 (4%).
- Average points scored: 28.58 vs 29.84;
- Average points conceded: 29.79 vs 31.28.
Last 10 Matches (Overall):
- Number of wins: 3 vs 4;
- Number of losses: 5 vs 4;
- Number of draws: 2 vs 2;
- Average first quarter total: 58.6 (scored - 28.6, conceded - 30) vs 59.3 (scored - 30.7, conceded - 28.6).
- Charlotte Hornets scored under 27.5 points in the 1st quarter in 6 of last 7 away games against Golden State Warriors (NBA).
Prediction on the outcome
H2H:
- Number of encounters - 38;
- Home team wins - 23, away team wins - 15.
- Charlotte Hornets won with a +8.5 points handicap in last 9 games (NBA).
- Charlotte Hornets won with a +8.5 points handicap in last 8 away games (NBA).
Prediction on the over/under
H2H:
- average total points per match for the home team - 108.63, for the away team - 102.63;
- average total points in H2H matches - 211.26.
Statistics: Golden State Warriors vs Charlotte Hornets
- average total in the tournament: 229 vs 234.09;
- average total points scored: 115.72 vs 117.02;
- average total points conceded: 113.28 vs 117.07;
- average total points scored in the 1st half: 56.28 vs 59.17;
- average total points scored in the 2nd half: 58.98 vs 57.26;
- Golden State Warriors: average total points scored at home in the tournament - 117.88;
- Charlotte Hornets: average total points scored away in the tournament - 117.48;
- last 10 matches (average total points scored): 118.4 (home - 118.57) vs 119.7 (away - 125.17).
- Under 233.5 points scored in 8 of last 9 Golden State Warriors games against Charlotte Hornets (NBA).
⭐ Editorial Prediction
This match promises to be a real test for both sides, thanks to their contrasting styles of play. The hosts' strong defense will face off against the visitors' powerful offense, creating a dynamic balance of power on the court. Considering the teams' form and past performances, we anticipate a hard-fought battle and believe that Kerr will find a way to slow down the Hornets' high-flying attack. Butler and Green will fortify their paint, preventing the visitors' leaders from enjoying the freedom they had against the Lakers. We're inclined to go with under 233.5 total points-this outcome has occurred in 8 of the last 9 head-to-head encounters between these clubs.