Wizards Seek Third Straight Win Against Hornets as Trae Young and Anthony Davis Lead Washington Into Charlotte
By Brian Hradsky
October 26, 2026
The Washington Wizards will attempt to extend their winning streak to three games Monday night when they face the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Washington enters the matchup with a 2-1 record following Saturday’s dramatic 124-120 victory over the Chicago Bulls, while Charlotte also stands at 2-1 after defeating the Miami Heat 115-110. Trae Young and Anthony Davis will lead a Washington roster attempting to establish early-season consistency against a restructured Hornets team featuring Brandon Miller, Naz Reid and Dennis Schroder. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Eastern, with television coverage available on Monumental Sports Network.
Wizards Look to Build on Chicago Victory
Washington enters Monday’s contest with momentum after surviving a furious fourth-quarter comeback against Chicago. The Wizards overcame a five-point halftime deficit by outscoring the Bulls 40-20 during the third quarter, eventually building a 21-point advantage. Chicago responded with an impressive rally, but Washington converted six consecutive free throws during the closing seconds to secure the victory. The result gave the Wizards their first road win of the season and improved their record to 2-1.
Young led Washington with 25 points and nine assists against Chicago, continuing his productive start with his new team. Kyshawn George contributed 22 points and nine rebounds, while Davis added 19 points after struggling during Friday’s loss to Toronto. The balanced production helped Washington overcome a strong performance from Chicago rookie Caleb Wilson, who finished with 30 points and 14 rebounds. The Wizards demonstrated offensive potential but also exposed concerns about their ability to protect substantial leads.
Washington previously opened the season with a 128-116 victory over Milwaukee before suffering a 112-102 defeat against Toronto. Through three games, the Wizards have demonstrated that their restructured roster can produce significant offensive numbers against Eastern Conference opponents. However, defensive consistency and turnovers remain areas requiring improvement. Monday’s matchup provides another opportunity for head coach Brian Keefe to evaluate his team’s development.
Trae Young Continues Strong Start With Washington
Young has quickly established himself as Washington’s primary offensive playmaker, providing scoring and passing throughout the opening week. The veteran guard recorded 20 points and 13 assists against Milwaukee before adding 22 points and 12 assists against Toronto. He followed those performances with 25 points and nine assists during Saturday’s victory over Chicago. His ability to create opportunities for teammates has become an important part of Washington’s offensive identity.
The Wizards have benefited from Young’s ability to direct possessions and establish scoring opportunities for their frontcourt players. His passing has helped Washington generate offense through Davis, George and the team’s younger contributors. Young has also demonstrated the ability to take over scoring responsibilities when opponents limit other players. Maintaining that balance will be important against Charlotte’s defensive system.
The Hornets will likely use several different defenders against Young, including Schroder and Sion James. Charlotte must prevent the Washington guard from consistently penetrating the defense and creating open shots. Young’s ability to manipulate defensive coverage could become one of the game’s deciding factors. Washington will need him to remain efficient while protecting the basketball.
Anthony Davis Looks to Establish Consistency
Davis enters Monday’s matchup after scoring 19 points against Chicago, an improvement from his difficult performance against Toronto. The veteran opened his Washington career with 34 points and 12 rebounds against Milwaukee, demonstrating his ability to dominate around the basket. However, Toronto limited him to nine points on 3-of-12 shooting, revealing the challenges Washington faces when opponents successfully disrupt its interior offense. Davis will attempt to produce another strong performance against Charlotte.
The Hornets present an interesting matchup because their frontcourt includes Reid and Moussa Diabate. Reid provides offensive versatility and perimeter shooting, while Diabate offers rebounding and interior activity. Washington will need Davis to establish favorable scoring positions without allowing Charlotte to generate easy opportunities at the opposite end. His defensive responsibilities could become particularly important when Reid stretches the floor.
Davis must also help Washington improve its rebounding consistency after the Wizards struggled against Toronto. The Raptors collected 18 offensive rebounds during Friday’s contest, creating additional possessions and undermining Washington’s comeback attempt. Charlotte will look to exploit similar opportunities if the Wizards fail to protect the glass. Davis, Alex Sarr and Washington’s other frontcourt players must emphasize defensive positioning and physicality.
Charlotte Enters With Momentum After Miami Victory
The Hornets have also produced an encouraging start to the season, winning two of their first three games. Charlotte opened with a 110-103 victory over Brooklyn before suffering a 128-81 defeat against Atlanta. The Hornets responded Saturday by defeating Miami 115-110 at Spectrum Center, demonstrating resilience after their difficult performance against the Hawks. Monday’s matchup gives Charlotte an opportunity to secure another home victory.
The Hornets have undergone significant roster changes, including the departure of longtime guard LaMelo Ball. Charlotte has added established contributors such as Reid, Schroder and Coby White while continuing to develop Miller and several younger players. The changes have created a different offensive structure, with more responsibility distributed across the lineup. Head coach Charles Lee is attempting to establish consistency as the new group develops chemistry.
Charlotte has also experienced injury challenges during the opening week, limiting the availability of several important contributors. Despite those absences, the Hornets have managed to secure victories over Brooklyn and Miami. Their ability to remain competitive demonstrates the importance of contributions throughout the roster. Washington must avoid overlooking an opponent that has already shown the ability to recover from a difficult defeat.
Brandon Miller Presents Major Scoring Challenge
Miller remains one of Charlotte’s most important offensive players and provides the Hornets with a versatile scoring threat. The forward can generate offense from the perimeter, attack closeouts and create opportunities in transition. His size and shooting ability present challenges for defenders attempting to limit his scoring. Washington must prepare for an opponent capable of influencing the game from several different areas of the floor.
Bilal Coulibaly could receive an important defensive assignment against Miller because of his length and athleticism. George also provides Washington with another versatile option capable of challenging Charlotte’s forwards. The Wizards will need disciplined communication when switching defensive assignments and protecting the perimeter. Allowing Miller to establish an early shooting rhythm could create significant problems.
Washington must also prevent Miller from generating easy scoring opportunities after defensive rebounds or turnovers. Charlotte will attempt to capitalize when the Wizards lose possession or fail to establish their defensive structure. Limiting those transition opportunities could help Washington control the tempo. The matchup between Miller and Washington’s young wings should be an important storyline.
Naz Reid Gives Hornets Additional Offensive Versatility
Reid represents one of Charlotte’s most important offseason additions, providing a combination of size, scoring and perimeter shooting. The veteran forward-center can operate near the basket while also creating opportunities beyond the three-point line. His ability to stretch opposing defenses creates additional space for Charlotte’s guards and wings. Washington will need to account for his versatility throughout the contest.
The matchup against Davis and Sarr could become particularly important because Washington has several frontcourt players capable of protecting the rim. However, Reid’s shooting ability can pull defenders away from the basket and create driving opportunities for teammates. The Wizards must balance their interior defensive responsibilities with the need to challenge perimeter shots. Strong communication will be essential.
Reid also provides Charlotte with another experienced player capable of contributing during important possessions. His presence gives the Hornets an additional scoring option when opponents focus on Miller. Washington must prevent Charlotte from generating uncontested opportunities through pick-and-pop actions and ball movement. The frontcourt battle could have a significant influence on the outcome.
Schroder Takes on Important Playmaking Role
Schroder enters Monday’s matchup with additional responsibility because White remains unavailable. The veteran guard provides Charlotte with an experienced ball handler capable of directing the offense and creating opportunities for teammates. His ability to attack the basket and generate scoring chances gives the Hornets another offensive option. Washington must prepare for his aggressive approach.
Young and Washington’s perimeter defenders will need to maintain disciplined positioning against Schroder. The Hornets guard can create opportunities through penetration and force opposing defenses to rotate. Those movements could open scoring chances for Miller, Reid and Charlotte’s other players. Washington must avoid allowing repeated breakdowns that lead to easy baskets.
The matchup also presents an interesting contrast between two experienced offensive guards. Young provides Washington with high-volume playmaking and long-range shooting, while Schroder can challenge defenses through speed and aggressive drives. Their ability to control offensive possessions could become important during close stretches. The Wizards will look for Young to establish the stronger overall impact.
George and Washington’s Young Players Continue Developing
George delivered one of his strongest early-season performances against Chicago, recording 22 points and nine rebounds. His scoring helped Washington establish a substantial second-half advantage and provided important support for Young and Davis. The young forward has demonstrated the ability to contribute offensively while handling challenging defensive assignments. His continued development could become an important part of Washington’s success.
Tre Johnson has also provided valuable scoring, including 20 points off the bench against Toronto. The young guard gives Washington another perimeter option capable of creating offense when the starting lineup needs additional support. His shooting and scoring versatility could become especially valuable against Charlotte’s defensive rotations. Washington will look for continued contributions from Johnson during its road trip.
Coulibaly remains another important part of the Wizards’ developing rotation because of his defensive versatility. His ability to challenge opposing guards and forwards provides Keefe with additional lineup flexibility. The Wizards need their younger players to remain aggressive while reducing mistakes. Consistent contributions from George, Johnson and Coulibaly could help Washington maintain offensive production throughout the contest.
AJ Dybantsa Remains Sidelined
Washington will again be without rookie AJ Dybantsa, who continues recovering from a left ankle sprain suffered during the preseason finale October 16. The first overall selection in the 2026 NBA Draft has not yet made his regular-season debut. His absence has forced Washington to rely on its established veterans and other younger players during the opening week. The Wizards have not announced a confirmed return date.
Dybantsa is expected to become an important part of Washington’s long-term development because of his scoring ability and athleticism. However, the team must prioritize his recovery rather than rushing him back during the opening portion of the season. George, Johnson and Coulibaly have received opportunities to contribute while the rookie remains unavailable. Their production has helped Washington begin the season with two victories.
Tristan Vukcevic also remains sidelined with a hip injury, while Jamir Watkins is recovering from knee surgery. Those absences reduce Washington’s available depth during its early road schedule. The Wizards will need contributions from their healthy players to maintain momentum. Final rotation decisions will remain dependent on player availability and coaching evaluations.
Hornets Also Dealing With Injuries
Charlotte will be without White and Kon Knueppel, removing two important perimeter options from its rotation. White is recovering from a calf injury, while Knueppel is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Their absences place additional offensive responsibility on Schroder, Miller and Charlotte’s available guards. The Hornets must continue adjusting their rotation until those players return.
Grant Williams is also unavailable because of a hamstring injury, while Kylan Boswell is recovering from knee surgery. Those absences reduce Charlotte’s depth and could influence its ability to maintain defensive intensity throughout the contest. The Hornets will need strong contributions from their bench to compensate. Washington should attempt to exploit favorable matchups without assuming Charlotte will struggle because of its injuries.
The injury situation also creates an opportunity for younger Charlotte players to earn additional minutes. James and other rotation contributors could receive important responsibilities against Washington’s perimeter attack. Their ability to defend Young and support Charlotte’s offense will be important. Both teams must manage their available personnel carefully during the opening portion of the season.
Rebounding and Defensive Execution Could Decide Game
Washington’s biggest concern entering Monday remains its defensive consistency. The Wizards allowed Chicago to erase much of a 21-point deficit during Saturday’s fourth quarter, nearly surrendering a game they appeared to control. The team also struggled with rebounding and turnovers during its loss to Toronto. Those problems must be addressed against a Charlotte roster capable of generating offense through several different players.
The Wizards should attempt to establish an advantage around the basket through Davis and Sarr. Charlotte’s frontcourt will provide resistance, particularly through Reid and Diabate, but Washington has enough size to compete effectively. Securing defensive rebounds would limit Charlotte’s second-chance opportunities and allow Young to initiate transition offense. The Wizards must also avoid unnecessary turnovers that could give the Hornets easy scoring chances.
Charlotte will attempt to use its home court and balanced offensive approach to challenge Washington. The Hornets have demonstrated the ability to win close games, including Saturday’s five-point victory over Miami. Their defensive execution could become especially important when Young attempts to create scoring opportunities. Washington must remain patient and avoid forcing possessions against organized defensive coverage.
Wizards Continue Three-Game Road Trip
Monday’s matchup represents the second game of Washington’s three-game road trip. The Wizards began the stretch with Saturday’s victory over Chicago and will continue Wednesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers. The schedule provides an early opportunity to evaluate Washington’s ability to compete away from Capital One Arena. Securing another road victory would strengthen the team’s confidence.
Washington’s 2-1 start has provided several encouraging developments, particularly Young’s consistent playmaking and George’s offensive production. Davis has also demonstrated his ability to dominate when the offense successfully establishes him near the basket. However, the Wizards must continue developing chemistry and improving their defensive execution. Monday’s matchup offers another opportunity to demonstrate progress.
Charlotte will look to defend its home court and establish momentum following the victory over Miami. The Hornets are attempting to develop consistency within a restructured roster while managing several injuries. Both teams enter with identical records and an opportunity to improve their early standing in the Eastern Conference. The contest should provide another competitive test for Washington.
MSB Take
Washington’s 2-1 start has been encouraging, particularly because the Wizards have already demonstrated their ability to win close games and receive production from several different players. Young has been the most consistent offensive contributor, while Davis remains capable of dominating around the basket. George’s 22-point performance against Chicago and Johnson’s contributions off the bench demonstrate that Washington has promising young talent supporting its veterans. However, the team must improve its defensive consistency if it hopes to sustain its early success.
Charlotte presents a difficult matchup because Miller and Reid can generate offense in different ways, while Schroder provides experienced playmaking. The Hornets are missing several important players, but their victories over Brooklyn and Miami demonstrate that they remain competitive. Washington must prevent Charlotte from controlling the rebounding battle and generating easy transition opportunities. The Wizards should also emphasize attacking the basket through Davis while allowing Young to direct the offense.
The biggest question is whether Washington can maintain its offensive production while playing with greater defensive discipline. The Wizards nearly surrendered a substantial lead against Chicago and cannot continue relying on late free throws to protect victories. Their improved roster gives them opportunities to compete against teams like Charlotte, but execution will determine the outcome. If Young continues distributing effectively, Davis establishes an interior presence and the young players contribute consistently, Washington has a strong opportunity to extend its winning streak.
MSB Prediction: Washington Wizards 118, Charlotte Hornets 113.
