Why the Hawks are a rare NBA road favorite worth backing against the rebuilding Hornets
The article argues that Atlanta is a worthwhile road favourite against Charlotte, picking the Hawks to win on the moneyline at -135. It says Atlanta appears better equipped and more settled, while the rebuilding Hornets are still working out their roster and plans.
Atlanta opened the season by shooting 50% from the field and 40% from three-point range against Orlando, though it conceded 125 points. The article highlights Jalen Johnson, defenders Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels, and veteran CJ McCollum; it also notes Charlotte beat Brooklyn in its opener but is without injured Kon Knueppel and is relying heavily on Brandon Miller.
In short
- Atlanta is backed to win away at -135.
- The Hawks impressed with their shooting against Orlando.
- Charlotte won its opener but is still rebuilding.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Atlanta can be backed because its opener showed strong shooting, and its mix of Jalen Johnson, defensive-minded Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels, and veteran CJ McCollum may give it more depth and stability than Charlotte. The Hawks’ defensive performance against Orlando raises concerns, but a moneyline price of -135 may still look reasonable if their talent and experience make them more likely to win.
The case against
Charlotte has already shown it can win, beating Brooklyn in its opener, and Brandon Miller gives it a leading scorer who could exploit Atlanta’s defensive weaknesses. The Hornets’ rebuilding status and Kon Knueppel’s absence add uncertainty, but early-season form is limited evidence, and making Atlanta a road favourite may overstate how settled or reliable the Hawks are.
Explained simply
The Atlanta Hawks and Charlotte Hornets are NBA teams in the Eastern Conference. In basketball, a road favourite is a visiting team expected to win; a moneyline bet backs one team to win outright, with the odds indicating the return and implied likelihood.
Atlanta’s squad includes forward Jalen Johnson, guards Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Dyson Daniels, and veteran guard CJ McCollum. Charlotte are rebuilding, meaning they are developing their roster and shaping their longer-term plans, with Brandon Miller among the players carrying a prominent role. Injuries and how players fit together can affect how settled either team looks.