The Oklahoma City Thunder are set to light up the Paycom Center yet again as they square off against the Charlotte Hornets on January 5, 2026, in a matchup that’s got fans buzzing across the league. With tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m. CST, anticipation is running high as the Thunder look to bounce back from a tough loss and extend their dominant home streak, while the Hornets hope to build on recent momentum and defy the odds.
Heading into this contest, the Thunder boast an impressive 30-6 record, firmly establishing themselves as one of the NBA’s top contenders this season. Their recent run, however, saw a hiccup when they fell just short against the Phoenix Suns, losing 108-105—a result that snapped their four-game winning streak. The loss might sting, but it’s hardly a reason for panic in Oklahoma City. The squad’s consistency, especially at home, has been a hallmark of their campaign so far, and they’ll be eager to get back on track in front of their loyal fans.
On the other side of the court, the Charlotte Hornets arrive with a 12-23 record, having just snapped a three-game losing streak with a solid 112-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls. That win brought some much-needed confidence to the Hornets’ locker room, but they know the challenge ahead is steep. The Thunder’s home-court advantage is no joke, and with the odds stacked against them, Charlotte will need every ounce of grit and determination to keep this one close.
The Thunder’s offensive firepower has been a major storyline all season. Averaging a robust 121.9 points per game, Oklahoma City ranks among the league’s elite in scoring. Their defense isn’t too shabby either, holding opponents to just 107.2 points per contest. That two-way excellence is a big reason why they’re sitting pretty near the top of the standings. The Hornets, meanwhile, are putting up 115.8 points per game—a respectable number, but their Achilles’ heel has been on the defensive end, where they’re allowing 118.5 points on average. That disparity could spell trouble against a Thunder team that loves to run and gun.
Of course, injuries are a reality for both squads, and they could play a significant role in shaping the flow of this game. The Thunder will be without several key contributors. Ousmane Dieng is sidelined with a right calf strain, while Isaiah Hartenstein is out due to a right soleus strain. Nikola Topić remains unavailable as he recovers from surgery, and Thomas Sorber is out for the season with an ACL injury. Jaylin Williams is also missing from the lineup, nursing a right heel bursitis. To add to the list, Brooks Barnhizer and Alex Caruso are both out, further testing the Thunder’s depth.
Despite the long injury list, Oklahoma City has shown time and again that they can weather adversity. The team’s depth and next-man-up mentality have been vital, with role players stepping up when called upon. Still, the absence of so many rotation pieces could open the door for the Hornets to exploit some mismatches—if they’re able to capitalize.
Charlotte isn’t without its own health woes. Ryan Kalkbrenner will miss the contest with a left elbow sprain, while Grant Williams is out following right knee surgery. Mason Plumlee is also unavailable due to right groin surgery, and KJ Simpson remains sidelined. The Hornets do have some good news, though: Moussa Diabaté (right wrist sprain), Kon Knueppel (right hip contusion), Brandon Miller (left knee contusion), and Tidjane Salaun (left ankle sprain) are all listed as probable, giving head coach a few more options as he crafts his rotation for this critical road game.
Betting markets are heavily favoring the Thunder, with BetMGM listing Oklahoma City as 15.5-point favorites. The over/under for total points is set at 234.5, reflecting expectations of a high-scoring affair. Moneyline odds stand at OKC -1200 and Charlotte +725, underscoring just how much the experts are backing the Thunder to take care of business on their home floor.
For those eager to tune in, the game will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and can also be streamed online via Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new users. With so many eyes on this matchup, every possession will matter, and both teams will be looking to put on a show for the national audience.
All eyes will be on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who continues to dazzle as the Thunder’s engine on both ends of the court. After a strong effort against the Suns, he’ll be hungry to lead the charge and help his team rebound. The Hornets, meanwhile, will look to Brandon Miller and their supporting cast to keep pace and perhaps pull off a surprise. It’s not just about the stars, though—this game could very well come down to which team’s bench steps up and delivers in the clutch.
Recent history between these two squads has favored the Thunder, especially at the Paycom Center, where Oklahoma City has developed a reputation for being especially tough to beat. The Thunder are aiming to extend their home win streak to four games against the Hornets, and with the crowd behind them, they’ll have plenty of motivation.
As always, injuries and fatigue could play a role as the game wears on. With both teams shuffling lineups and adjusting on the fly, expect to see some unexpected contributors making an impact. That’s the beauty of the NBA—on any given night, someone can step up and change the narrative.
So, what should fans expect? If the odds and recent form are any indication, the Thunder are in the driver’s seat. But don’t count out the Hornets just yet. They’ve shown flashes of resilience, and if they can tighten up defensively and get hot from beyond the arc, anything is possible. After all, that’s why they play the games!
As the clock ticks down to tip-off, excitement is building in Oklahoma City. The Thunder have their sights set on another statement win, while the Hornets are hoping to play spoiler and turn their season around. One thing’s for sure: basketball fans are in for a treat as these two teams collide in what promises to be a compelling NBA showdown.
With all the anticipation and storylines converging, the action at Paycom Center is set to deliver plenty of drama. Whether it’s the Thunder’s quest to reclaim their momentum or the Hornets’ bid to defy the odds, this matchup is shaping up to be a memorable chapter in the 2025-26 NBA season.
