Score Predictions: Can the Hornets Down Dallas Again?

The Charlotte Hornets play their last regular-season matchup with the Dallas Mavericks tonight.

Jan 29, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kon Knueppel (7) shoots as Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) defends during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images | Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

The last time the Charlotte Hornets (30-31) played in a back-to-back was over a week ago, and it was the last time this young Hornets team saw an L in the loss column.

Tonight at 7:00 PM, the Hornets play the Dallas Mavericks (21-39), who are missing multiple pieces in the two teams' last matchups of the regular season at the Spectrum Center.

This is the Hornets' first of four games this week, all of which will be incredibly important for Charlotte and head coach Charles Lee's push for a better Eastern Conference play-in, or playoff, seed. After tonight's game, the Hornets only have 20 games remaining in the NBA season. It's beginning to get to crunch time.

How does our Hornets on SI staff see tonight's game playing out before Charlotte goes on the road again?

Owen Watterson: Hornets 134, Mavericks 109

Charlotte captured the (Cooper) Flagg once already this season in Dallas, but this time they'll get their last swing at Dallas with Flagg listed as “Doubtful”. Former Hornet PJ Washington is also likely to miss this game for the Mavericks, who are incredibly short-handed all around.

Our own Matt Alquiza yesterday on our Hornets on SI podcast mentioned how this game in the first half of a back-to-back was a “handle your business” game. I couldn't agree more. The Hornets have to make sure they don't get caught looking ahead to Boston, but the talent discrepancy, especially if Flagg doesn't play, is too large for Charlotte to have much worry going into the first of four games this week. Hornets win big at home and sweep the two-game season series versus the Mavericks.

Zachary Roberts: Hornets 113, Mavericks 103

The Hornets won't have Coby White, but the Mavericks won't have Cooper Flagg. That still leaves the Hornets with a huge talent advantage. The Hornets beat the Mavs on the road as part of their nine-game win streak earlier this year, and there's no reason to believe they'll have a hard time at home.

Albert Böttcher: Hornets 118, Mavericks 102

Not only will the Mavericks probably be without Cooper Flagg, but they'll also miss Naji Marshall and Marvin Bagley III. Klay Thompson and PJ Washington are listed as questionable, but even in case they suit up, it shouldn't be much of a difference. The Hornets have solidified themselves as one of the better teams in the league, and they'll have no problem beating a much worse, depleted team.