Despite the winter weather, NBA action continues as the San Antonio Spurs prepare to take on the Charlotte Hornets in a matchup that promises to provide excitement for fans. The game, originally scheduled for later in the day, has been moved up to 11 a.m. CT due to anticipated snowfall in Charlotte. Thankfully, the indoor setting of the Spectrum Center means the weather won’t hinder the game itself.
The Spurs are coming off a thrilling comeback victory over the Houston Rockets, and they are poised to face a formidable opponent in the Hornets. Charlotte, with its five-game winning streak and ranking as one of the top offensive teams in the league, currently holds the sixth-best offensive rating in the NBA. They have demonstrated an impressive ability to outscore opponents, at times winning games by margins exceeding 30 points. San Antonio will need to be sharp defensively to counteract Charlotte’s firepower.
Currently, the Spurs are tied with the Denver Nuggets for second place in the Western Conference standings, underscoring the significance of every game as they strive to maintain their placing at the top. Conversely, the Hornets find themselves just 2.5 games away from the play-in tournament in the Eastern Conference, making their pursuit of a postseason berth all the more urgent.
In terms of team dynamics, both sides face challenges with injuries. The Spurs will be without several players including Harrison Ingram and Jeremy Sochan, while the Hornets are monitoring the status of Josh Green but will miss key contributors like Mason Plumlee.
Fans will want to keep an eye on key elements during the game. The Hornets excel in three-point shooting, ranking fifth in the league by averaging over 15 made threes per game. Players like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball present a constant threat from beyond the arc. This plays into the Spurs’ defensive strategy, as they will attempt to limit Charlotte’s shooting opportunities while utilizing their star, Victor Wembanyama, to challenge shots near the rim.
Additionally, Charlotte’s tendency to turn the ball over could be a critical factor in the game. With the Hornets averaging 15.7 turnovers per game, the Spurs’ aggressive defense—especially from guards like Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox—will be key to creating turnovers and capitalizing on fast break opportunities.
The Spurs recently experimented with a three-guard lineup that proved effective in their last game, providing a mix of defensive intensity and offensive playmaking. Given Charlotte’s size, the use of a quicker lineup could offer San Antonio an edge, as they look to disrupt the Hornets’ scoring rhythm.
As both teams come into this matchup riding waves of momentum, fans who brave the snowy conditions can expect an entertaining clash of styles at the Spectrum Center. The competition could be a memorable highlight of the NBA season.
San Antonio Spurs (32-15) will face Charlotte Hornets (21-28) on January 31st, 2026, at 11 AM CT, with viewing options available on Amazon Prime and radio coverage on WOAI (1200 AM).