Score Predictions for Hornets vs. Hawks

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Schuyler Callihan: Hornets 118, Hawks 114
Steve Clifford seems to be pleased with where this team is at heading into the season. Even without Cody Martin and Frank Ntilikina, I believe we'll see Charlotte surprise with a strong defensive performance, particularly in the paint. The Hornets win a hard-fought battle on opening night.
Atticus Ferguson: Hornets 107, Hawks 105
In a dreadful 2022-23 campaign, Steve Clifford’s Hornets were still able to claim three of four matchups against this Atlanta club. Does Coach Clifford simply have the Hawks figured out? I anticipate a high-energy, high-emotion opening night performance against these rival squads. Look for the Hornets' defense to hold off Trae Young & company late in the game and secure a 1-0 start.
Desmond Johnson: Hornets 110, Hawks 104
This game will be the healthiest the Hornets will be all season so why not start with a win? Hornets and Hawks have built a little rivalry at the bottom of the Eastern Conference and one of the two may move to the middle of the pack this season. The Hornets need to start off fast this season and beating a team they beat three of four times last year would be a great start.
Matt Alquiza: Hornets 115, Hawks 114
Charlotte wins in a nailbiter. LaMelo starts the season with a 25-point triple-double, Brandon Miller starts his career with a PJ Washington-like debut, and Mark Williams announces himself as a force to be reckoned with in the paint. The Hornets have a night.
James Plowright: Hornets 113, Hawks 107
Atlanta has only beaten Charlotte once in their last five attempts, with the Hornets often finding a way to limit Trae Young. Mark Williams had his signature play last season switching out onto Young for the game-winning block and dunk. His ability to switch out and play higher should take away some of Trae's preferred areas to operate. I think Clifford will heavily lean on the starters tonight following almost a week off.
Spread & Over/Under Predictions for Hornets vs. Hawks
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Schuyler Callihan is the publisher of West Virginia On SI and has been a trusted source covering the Mountaineers since 2016. He is the host of Between The Eers, The Walk Thru Game Day Show, and In the Gun Podcast. The Wheeling, WV native moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2020 to cover the Charlotte Hornets and Carolina Panthers.