Golden State Warriors vs Charlotte Hornets
PREVIEW: The Golden State Warriors host the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday as 6.5-point favorites, with the Warriors ranked first in high-frequency three-point shooting at 50.1% of their attempts. Golden State has won four of their last five games and is chasing a third consecutive victory after defeating the Knicks 126-113 on Thursday. The Warriors' defensive prowess stands out, allowing just 113.2 points per game while generating 9.6 steals nightly with a 112.4 defensive rating. These teams have a familiar rivalry at Chase Center, with Golden State winning each of their last six matchups.
Charlotte arrives in decent form after drubbing the Lakers 135-117 on Thursday, with LaMelo Ball draining nine three-pointers for 30 points and 11 assists while the Hornets shot 54 percent from the field and 20 of 43 from deep. The Hornets excel with high spacing on offense and rank fifth in three-point attempt frequency at 46.2%, yet struggle defensively by allowing high-quality three-point looks and ranking 25th in three-point defense. While Charlotte scores 116.6 points per game, they also allow nearly the same amount at 116.7, creating a precarious situation against a Warriors team that prioritizes efficiency over volume. The Hornets have won three of their last four games as road underdogs, indicating recent success away from home.