Hornets 2024-25 Betting Preview: Prediction, Roster Projection

The Charlotte Hornets haven’t made the playoffs since 2016, but are they a sneaky sleeper in an Eastern Conference that features several tanking teams?

NBA futures odds are available at the online sportsbook, including Charlotte Hornets odds for NBA champion, division winner, and player awards.

Hornets Futures Odds

Win Total: 30.5
Southeast Division: +3500
Eastern Conference: +50000
NBA Championship: +100000

The Hornets remain NBA odds long shots entering the 2024-25 season.

Charlotte went 21-61 last year to finish below its win total by 10 games. This year’s win total is the team’s lowest preseason over/under since it had a mark of 26.5 for the 2020-21 season.

The Hornets are +500 to make the playoffs after having a +475 value last year.

Hornets Offseason Moves

After tying for the team’s worst record since 2012-13, Charlotte improved its roster on the margins this offseason.

Additions

Departures

The Hornets landed Josh Green from the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-team trade. Green averaged 8.2 points per game last season, shooting 47.9% from the floor.

Charlotte also added Tidjane Salaün and K.J. Simpson during this year’s draft. Salaün has some intriguing upside as the No. 6 overall pick, while Simpson could carve out a role off the bench as a second-round selection.

Hornets 2024 Betting Prediction

Prediction: Over 29.5 Wins (-120)

Note: Charlotte’s win total has moved to 30.5 since making this pick.

The Hornets haven’t won 30 games since 2021-22, but that was also the last time they got a healthy season from point guard LaMelo Ball.

Ball played 75 games in 2021-22, earning an All-Star nod while leading Charlotte to 43 wins. Ball made 36 appearances in a 27-win season during 2022-23, only to play in 27 games during last year’s 21-win campaign.

Having their best player on the floor will be an excellent place to start for the Hornets to clear this win total. It will also help if Brandon Miller takes another step after exceeding expectations and averaging 17.3 points per game as a rookie last year.

The Hornets also expect a coaching change to help turn this around. First-year head coach Charles Lee comes from the Boston Celtics, where he was the top assistant for the NBA champions.

Charlotte might not end its playoff drought this year, but this team will take a step in that direction by reaching 30-plus wins.

2024-25 NBA Team Previews & Predictions