Charlotte Hornets vs Washington Wizards

Washington will welcome the Charlotte Hornets to Capital One Arena on Sunday, October 26, 2025, with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM Eastern Time. The Wizards are looking to build consistency at home after splitting their first two games of the season, while Charlotte comes in on the back of an impressive 136–117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Both teams aim to establish early momentum, making this matchup a key test of execution and depth.

The Hornets report no injuries for this game, giving head coach Charles Lee the ability to field his full rotation. Washington, however, will be without Bilal Coulibaly, who is sidelined with a right hand injury following surgery and is expected to return in early November. This absence will require the Wizards to rely more heavily on players like Bradley Beal, Kyle Kuzma, and Monte Morris to generate scoring and maintain stability in the backcourt.

Coach Charles Lee emphasizes a balanced offensive approach for Charlotte, with multiple players contributing to scoring and unselfish ball movement. Defensively, the Hornets focus on creating turnovers and maintaining intensity on the perimeter, as demonstrated in their dominant season opener. Washington coach Wes Unseld Jr. aims to exploit home-court advantage by pushing the pace, utilizing pick-and-rolls, and leaning on Beal and Kuzma for offensive leadership while maintaining a disciplined defensive scheme.

Pre-game coverage has highlighted Charlotte’s efficiency and depth, praising their ability to get multiple players into double figures in scoring. Analysts note that the Hornets’ road performance will be tested against a Wizards team motivated to protect home court. Washington’s ability to compensate for Coulibaly’s absence and execute on both ends of the floor is considered critical for keeping the game competitive.

Studio analysts are focusing on bench contributions from Charlotte, how Washington Wizards adjusts without Coulibaly, and which team can sustain energy and focus through the four quarters. They also emphasize defensive execution and smart rotation management as potential deciding factors. Analysts predict a closely contested matchup where the team that best balances scoring depth, defensive consistency, and strategic adjustments will likely come out on top.