Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets, Preview, Picks and Prediction, Sunday, November 2, 2025
The new NBA season continues on Sunday as Utah visits Charlotte. Get the inside line on this matchup with our Jazz vs. Hornets prediction and picks. Tip-off is scheduled for 6 pm ET at the Spectrum Center, home of the Hornets.
Get our top NBA Predictions and increase your bankroll!
Note: This article was written before Charlotte's game against Minnesota on November 1.
Jazz drop two after fast start
The Utah Jazz (2-3) lost their second game in a row on Friday to fall below .500. Utah was overpowered 118-96 by Phoenix in its opening NBA Cup game two days after falling to the Trail Blazers. It does mark an improvement over last season, though, where the Jazz went 0-5 to start the year and only got their second win on November 9, by which time they were already 2-7. The team finished rock-bottom in the Western Conference and finished 48 games below .500, missing the playoffs for the third time in a row after what was the worst season in franchise history.
Utah has benefited from a hot start by Lauri Markkanen. The Finnish forward put up another 33 points on Friday against Phoenix and averages 33.8 ppg through five games, ranking fourth among NBA players to start the year. Keyonte George ranks fourth in the league with 9.2 assists per game after a 17-point, eight-rebound, and nine-assist game against the Suns. But Utah has been reliant on those two stars, with only one other player, Walter Kessler (14.4 ppg, 10.8 rebs,) averaging more than double figures so far. The Jazz are yet to see much from top draft pick Ace Bailey; the ex-Rutgers forward is averaging 4.4 ppg with 17 minutes of court time and shooting just 25% from the field.
On the injury front, Isaiah Collier is nearing a return from the hamstring problem that has stopped him from playing a single minute in the NBA so far. Collier is ramping up activities with the G-League SLC Stars, but he will be a gametime decision for Sunday. Georges Niang (foot) is still at least a week out from returning as he continues to wait for his first game since being traded to the Jazz in the offseason.
Sign Up for StatSalt News Alerts, Get Free Picks and Discounts
Subscribe Now
Kids are alright for Hornets
While the Charlotte Hornets (2-3) will probably not be competing at the top of the Eastern Conference any time soon, a couple of early wins come as a welcome sight for fans after the team's disastrous 2024-25 campaign. Charlotte has picked up comfortable wins over the Nets and Wizards so far in 2025-26 and shown some encouraging offensive potential, though it was overpowered 123-107 last time out against the Magic to drop back under .500.
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  Patty Reyes | +975.00 |
| 2 |  Pro Sports Picks | +808.00 |
| 3 |  Rob Vinciletti | +800.00 |
| 4 |  Jackie Mack | +728.00 |
| 5 |  Kevin V. | +655.00 |
This is above all a youthful Hornets roster, with just two players over the age of 30. All three of their 2025 Draft picks have seen a lot of court time to start the year. Ryan Kalkbrenner, the big man Charlotte took from Creighton in the second round, is arguably the biggest plus so far. Kalkbrenner put up 17 points, seven rebounds, three blocks and one steal in a terrific showing against Orlando and averages 11 ppg with 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks so far while shooting 90% from the field, starting each of his team's opening five games. Fourth overall pick Kon Knueppel has also started hot, setting a new NBA record with 16 successful 3-point shots in his first four pro games.
The rookies are providing much-needed support for LaMelo Ball as the point guard looks to avoid the injury problems that have held him and the Hornets back over the last three seasons. Ball has started the year averaging 24.4 ppg with 8.0 rebounds and 10.2 assists. Availability will again be the big question around him: he has failed to play more than half of Charlotte's games in any of the last three seasons. Going into Saturday's game against the Timberwolves, Grant Williams (knee), Josh Green (shoulder) and Brandon Miller (shoulder) are sidelined but could be available the following day. Ball (ankle) will be a gametime decision on Saturday.
Jazz vs. Hornets Pick
Jazz vs. Hornets Spread Pick
- Charlotte Hornets -4.5 (5 Units)
The Hornets are showing a notable improvement with this young, revamped roster, and I am backing them to be too strong for Utah and cover on Sunday. Charlotte is red-hot from deep to start the year, shooting 40.1% from behind the line (fifth in NBA); bad news for a Jazz defense that allows more 3-point shots than any other in the league. Utah is also giving the ball up far too much with 18.5 turnovers per game, and it looks set to struggle in the paint with Kalkbrenner and the Hornets, who are scoring 54.8 ppg there so far (seventh in NBA). The Hornets are 3-2 ATS this year and 1-0 while playing on no rest.
Take the Hornets.
Jazz vs. Hornets Over/Under Pick
- Over 222 (5 Units)
The over looks the smart bet here for two teams who have looked better with the ball this year. The Hornets are averaging a sixth-best 124.0 ppg through five games while also giving up 124.4 ppg (26th in league). They are 4-1 on the over so far and have an effective FG% of 58.2%, ranking fourth in the NBA. Utah's mark of 120.2 ppg allowed ranks 20th among NBA teams this year. The Jazz are 3-2 on the over.
Take the over.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Bet $5 & Get $200 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
