Charlotte, North Carolina, December 23, 2025
Tonight, the Charlotte Hornets will face off against the Washington Wizards at the Spectrum Center in a crucial Eastern Conference matchup. Both teams are struggling this season, with the Hornets holding a 9-20 record and the Wizards at 5-22. Charlotte aims to break a streak of losses while Washington looks to improve its standings. Key players such as LaMelo Ball for the Hornets and CJ McCollum for the Wizards will be pivotal in this clash. With several injuries affecting both rosters, this game promises to be a vital test for both teams.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Charlotte Hornets are set to host the Washington Wizards at the Spectrum Center tonight, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at 7 p.m. ET. This Eastern Conference showdown marks the second meeting between these divisional rivals this season. Both teams are currently navigating challenging periods in the NBA, with the Hornets holding a 9-20 record and the Wizards at 5-22. The Hornets aim to bounce back from recent losses, while the Wizards seek to improve their standing as they sit at the bottom of the Eastern Conference.
Recent Team Performance and Season Overview
The Hornets enter tonight’s contest looking to reverse a recent trend of defeats. Their last outing on December 22 saw them fall to the Cleveland Cavaliers with a score of 139-132. Prior to that, they also experienced a significant loss to the Detroit Pistons, 112-86, on December 20. Over their last ten games, Charlotte has a record of 4-6, averaging 113.8 points per game while allowing 116.4 points to opponents.
Meanwhile, the Wizards are also struggling for consistency, having a 3-7 record in their last ten games. Their most recent game on December 21 resulted in a 124-113 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Washington currently averages 112.7 points per game, which ranks 26th in the league, and they face defensive challenges, allowing 126.1 points per game, placing them 29th in the NBA. The Wizards’ overall record of 5-22 puts them 15th in the Eastern Conference standings.
Key Players to Watch
Charlotte Hornets
For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball continues to be a central figure, having led the team with 23 points and 9 assists in their recent game against the Cavaliers. He is averaging 19.4 points and 6 rebounds this season. Rookie Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller have also shown scoring prowess, each contributing 20 points in the Cleveland game. Miles Bridges is another key offensive player, averaging 20.9 points, 6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. Charlotte’s offense ranks 19th in the league with 115.1 points per game and is particularly effective from beyond the arc, making 14.6 three-pointers per game, which is the sixth-best in the NBA.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards will rely on players like CJ McCollum, who has been a consistent scorer, averaging 18.6 points and 3.4 assists. Alex Sarr, the second pick in the 2024 NBA draft, is a significant presence in the frontcourt and is expected to play after being off the injury report for an adductor issue. Bub Carrington, who scored 21 points in the loss to the Spurs, and Kyshawn George, averaging 15.2 points per game, are also important contributors. Marvin Bagley III and Bilal Coulibaly are listed as questionable for tonight’s game.
Injury Updates
The Charlotte Hornets face several injury concerns heading into tonight’s game. Grant Williams is out with an ACL injury. Collin Sexton (quadriceps), Mason Plumlee (groin), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) are all listed as day-to-day or questionable. LaMelo Ball is available despite right wrist soreness.
For the Washington Wizards, Cam Whitmore is out due to a shoulder injury. Marvin Bagley III (calf) and Bilal Coulibaly (ankle) are questionable. Positive news for Washington includes Corey Kispert (thumb) and Alex Sarr (adductor) being off the injury report and expected to return to action. Khris Middleton is also not listed on the injury report for this game.
Historical Context
This will be the second time the Hornets and Wizards meet this season. In their previous encounter on October 26, 2025, the Hornets secured a decisive 139-113 victory over the Wizards. Historically, in 137 regular season games, the Hornets hold a slight edge with 72 wins compared to the Wizards’ 65 wins. However, the Wizards have had more success in their recent head-to-head matchups, winning seven of the last ten games against Charlotte. The last time these teams played at the Spectrum Center, the Wizards won 113-100.
FAQ Section
What time is the Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets game?
The Washington Wizards vs. Charlotte Hornets game is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET tonight, Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Where is the game being played?
The game will be played at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
What are the current records for the two teams?
The Charlotte Hornets currently have a record of 9-20, while the Washington Wizards hold a record of 5-22.
Which key players are injured for the Charlotte Hornets?
For the Charlotte Hornets, Grant Williams is out with an ACL injury. Collin Sexton (quadriceps), Mason Plumlee (groin), and Ryan Kalkbrenner (elbow) are questionable.
Which key players are injured for the Washington Wizards?
For the Washington Wizards, Cam Whitmore is out due to a shoulder injury. Marvin Bagley III (calf) and Bilal Coulibaly (ankle) are questionable. Corey Kispert (thumb), Alex Sarr (adductor), and Khris Middleton (knee) are expected to play.
Key Game Features
| Feature | Charlotte Hornets | Washington Wizards |
|---|---|---|
| Current Record (Overall) | 9-20 (12th Eastern Conference) | 5-22 (15th Eastern Conference) |
| Last 10 Games Record | 4-6 | 3-7 |
| Points Per Game (PPG) | 115.1 (19th NBA) | 112.7 (26th NBA) |
| Points Allowed Per Game (OPP PPG) | 119.2 (23rd NBA) | 126.1 (29th NBA) |
| Key Offensive Players | LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller | CJ McCollum, Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, Kyshawn George |
| Major Injuries (Status for Dec 23) | Grant Williams (Out – ACL). Collin Sexton (Questionable – Quadriceps), Mason Plumlee (Questionable – Groin), Ryan Kalkbrenner (Questionable – Elbow). | Cam Whitmore (Out – Shoulder). Marvin Bagley III (Questionable – Calf), Bilal Coulibaly (Questionable – Ankle). |
| Last Head-to-Head Result (2025-26 Season) | Hornets defeated Wizards 139-113 (Oct 26, 2025) | Wizards lost to Hornets 113-139 (Oct 26, 2025) |
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