The Charlotte Hornets are set for a daunting road challenge as they visit the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder at the Paycom Center on Monday, January 5, 2026. This NBA regular season game pits two franchises in starkly contrasting positions. The Thunder, boasting an elite 30-6 record, are among the league's elite, while the Hornets continue to search for consistency amidst a persistent injury crisis.
Team Form and Injury Report Breakdown
The Oklahoma City Thunder, despite coming off a recent loss, have been a fortress at home and are one of the NBA's most reliable teams. Their opponent, the Charlotte Hornets, arrive severely short-handed but will look to play with freedom, having little pressure on their shoulders.
The Hornets' injury list remains a significant concern. Ryan Kalkbrenner (left elbow sprain), Mason Plumlee (right groin surgery recovery), and Grant Williams (right knee surgery) are all ruled out. KJ Simpson is unavailable due to a G League assignment. Furthermore, three key players – Moussa Diabate (right wrist sprain), Kon Knueppel (right hip contusion), and Tidjane Salaun (left ankle sprain) – are all listed as questionable. A slight positive is the probable status of forward Brandon Miller, who is working through a left knee contusion.
As of now, the Oklahoma City Thunder have not submitted their official injury report. However, recent absences that fans should monitor include Jaylin Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Ousmane Dieng.
Key Matchups and Game Details
The spotlight will shine on the battle of the star guards. Hornets' playmaker LaMelo Ball, averaging 19.8 points and 8.2 assists, will face the stern test of Oklahoma City's elite perimeter defense. On the other side, MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the league's scoring leader at 31.9 points per game, will look to dictate the tempo for the Thunder. OKC's ability to limit shooting efficiency and convert defensive stops into fast-break points could overwhelm Charlotte's thin rotation.
The game is scheduled for an 8:00 p.m. ET tip-off at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. Tickets for the game start at an accessible $42. For viewers, the broadcast will be available on FanDuel Sports Network Southeast for Hornets fans and FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma for the local audience. The game can also be streamed live on Fubo and NBA League Pass.
Prediction and Betting Outlook
Unsurprisingly, the odds heavily favour the dominant home team. The Oklahoma City Thunder are 15.5-point favourites, with the over/under total points line set between 232.5 and 234.5. The Thunder have controlled recent encounters, including a 109-96 victory over Charlotte in November. A projected final score in the region of 125-107 reflects Oklahoma City's superior depth, defensive prowess, and home-court advantage. The Hornets will likely depend heavily on LaMelo Ball's creativity to generate offense, even if the final result goes against them.
For the Hornets, this game represents another measuring stick against the league's best. The focus will be on staying competitive, moving the ball effectively, and finding alternative scoring options against one of the NBA's toughest defensive units.
