PREVIEW: The Atlanta Hawks arrive in Charlotte boasting elite offensive spacing and ball movement, ranking first in both categories, while also showcasing efficient transition play at second in the league . However, their defensive vulnerabilities remain glaring, particularly their struggles against three-point shooting where they allow high-quality opportunities at a concerning rate. The Hornets counter with their own offensive strengths, featuring efficient free-throw shooting at 82 percent and spacing that ranks fourth , giving them multiple ways to attack. Charlotte's critical weakness lies in ball security, sporting the league's worst turnover rate, a problem that could prove costly against a Hawks team that forces steals at an elite level. The Hawks' transition offense ranks second in efficiency, a key advantage when Charlotte plays slow tempo , and Atlanta has won six of their last eight games overall and seeks a third consecutive victory. Jalen Johnson continues to anchor the Hawks with 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game , establishing himself as the most dominant player in this matchup. The Hornets snapped an impressive nine-game winning streak against Detroit but have discovered phenomenal form that propels them into legitimate playoff contention at 25-29. The trio of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel provides Charlotte with a dynamic offensive core capable of competing with any opponent , setting the stage for an intriguing divisional showdown.