Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks (Image via Getty)
The Charlotte Hornets play the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 12, 2026. Charlotte are 43-38 and still trying to secure a good playoff spot. New York are 53-28 and sit near the top of the Eastern Conference.The Knicks also come into this game on a five-game winning streak. They have been strong at home this season. Both teams are close to the playoffs, so player availability and rotations will matter a lot in this game.
Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks injury report and player availability (April 12, 2026)
Charlotte Hornets have only a few injury concerns. • PJ Hall (ankle) is out and will not play.All other key players are available, including LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Moussa Diabate, Sion James, and Grant Williams.New York Knicks have several players out. • Karl-Anthony Towns (elbow) – Out • Tyler Kolek (oblique) – Out • Mitchell Robinson (ankle) – Out • Josh Hart (ankle) – Out • OG Anunoby (ankle) – Out• Jalen Brunson (ankle) – OutEven with these injuries, the Knicks still have Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Jordan Clarkson, Miles McBride, and Jose Alvarado available.
Hornets vs Knicks Updated team rosters and rotation outlook (April 12, 2026)
Charlotte depend on their guards. LaMelo Ball and Coby White lead the backcourt.
Josh Green, Sion James, Brandon Miller, and Kon Knueppel support them. In the frontcourt, Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, and Moussa Diabate take most of the minutes. PJ Hall is out.New York have a deep roster. Their guards include Brunson, Bridges, Clarkson, McBride, Alvarado, Landry Shamet, and Kolek when fit. Their frontcourt includes Towns, Robinson, Anunoby, Jeremy Sochan, Mohamed Diawara, Pacome Dadiet, Guerschon Yabusele, and Ariel Hukporti.
The main core has not changed.
Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks Head-to-head record and season matchup
The New York Knicks have already beaten the Hornets once this season, winning 129-104. Over the last three seasons, New York lead this matchup 8-1.They have also been very strong at home, with a 30-9 record at Madison Square Garden. Charlotte can still compete if their shooting is good, but New York have handled them well in recent meetings.
Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks Team stats comparison
| Category | Hornets (CHA) | Knicks (NYK) |
| Points per game | 116.1 | 116.7 |
| Points allowed | 111.4 | 110.1 |
| Field-goal % | 46.0% | 48.0% |
| Rebounds per game | 46.1 | 45.7 |
| Assists per game | 26.3 | 27.5 |
| Steals per game | 7.0 | 8.1 |
| Blocks per game | 4.5 | 3.9 |
New York are slightly better in shooting and passing.
Charlotte are a bit better in rebounding and blocks.
Charlotte Hornets vs New York Knicks Key factors and expected game flow
Even without some key players, the Knicks still defend well. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges will be important in controlling the game.Charlotte will miss PJ Hall inside but can adjust with Moussa Diabate and their wings. Their three-point shooting will be important.The matchup between LaMelo Ball and Brunson will decide the pace. If Charlotte shoot well, they can stay in the game. Still, with better depth and home advantage, the Knicks are in a stronger position.
