New York Knicks vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview: How, Who to Watch as Homestand Ends

The New York Knicks will look to sweep a three-game homestand at Madison Square Garden against the Charlotte Hornets.

There's a buzz around the New York Knicks heading into this holiday season.

In the midst of their first winning streak of the 2023-24 season, the Knicks will look to sweep a three-game homestand at Madison Square Garden when they host the Charlotte Hornets on Sunday afternoon. It will be the Knicks' final home game before Thanksgiving, as a five-game road trip immediately begins in Boston on Monday.

RJ Barrett's return to the lineup and Julius Randle's rediscovery of his offensive shot have led the way to consecutive victories for the Knicks, both coming against interconference competition. They topped the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night before silencing the San Antonio Spurs two nights later as Randle had a combined 50 points and 26 rebounds. 

Charlotte is the current leader of the Knicks' In-Season Tournament group after a 124-117 victory over Washington on Friday night. Three of the Hornets' four scheduled meetings against the Knicks are slated for this month: a rematch in Charlotte will be staged next Saturday and they'll make the return trip to Manhattan on Nov. 28, which will serve as the In-Season Tournament Game group finale for each side. New York took two of three meetings last season. 

What: Charlotte Hornets (3-5) @ New York Knicks (4-4)

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

When/Watch: 12 p.m. ET, MSG

Who's Favored: TBD

Keep An Eye On: RJ Barrett

While it's clear that Randle may be the Knicks' most impactful player, the most valuable has undoubtedly been Barrett, who is off to the best start of his five-year career. The scoring (at least 20 in four of six games) speaks for itself by Barrett's newfound ball movement provides a new avenue in the Knicks' success. He has earned 10 over the last two since returning from knee soreness, including a season-best-tying six during Wednesday's visit from San Antonio. 

Hornet to Watch: Mark Williams 

The second-year man out of Duke is fresh off one of the most prolific rebounding nights in Hornets history, pulling in 24 in the win over Washington. Williams has flourished since taking over for the departed Mason Plumlee as Charlotte's primary center: he's leading the Association with a success rate of 72.1 percent from the field and has averaged 20.3 points over his past four. The Knicks have built their early success upon a foundation of rebounding. Williams, who'd perhaps be a clone of Mitchell Robinson if not for his unquestioned role in the Charlotte offense, is a direct threat to those plans.  

They Said It

“I think Mitch (Robinson) has really grown in that area. I also think (Josh Hart’s) rebounding is important. But our guards, (Immanuel Quickley), get rebounds, Donte (DiVincenzo) is a good rebounder. Everyone is making a big deal about the size, and obviously, we want to be as big as we can be. But the unique thing about Josh is he rebounds extremely well. I think we’re quick to the ball. That’s probably been the biggest thing."-Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau on the Knicks' rebounding (h/t Zach Braziller, New York Post)

Prediction

The Knicks are slowly getting it together after a slow start and there's a prime opportunity to swat the developing Hornets. Charlotte's clavicle of veterans surrounding LaMelo Ball and newfound rebounding reliability won't make it as easy as it should be but expect the Knicks to pick up some vital momentum before they hit the road. 

Knicks 112, Hornets 99