According to the text, the Charlotte Hornets recently secured a victory over the Washington Wizards and showed improvement in their game. Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball played well, scoring 27 and 25 points respectively. The team also had successful results in the preseason tournament. However, the Hornets' offense ranks 27th in efficiency in the league. On the other hand, the New York Knicks have been performing well in recent matches, defeating the Spurs and Clippers. RJ Barrett and Julius Randle have been showing good performance, and Randle is improving his game after a slow start. The team also ranks 17th in offensive efficiency in the league. Both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, and their defenses are closely ranked. The Knicks play at a slower pace, while the Hornets play at a faster pace. However, considering the current form and team statistics, as well as the Knicks' home advantage at Madison Square Garden, it can be assumed that the Knicks have a better chance of winning. In conclusion, the forecast can be made in favor of the New York Knicks with a handicap of -8.5. They show promising performance, have a high potential for victory, and the home stadium could be a determining factor in this match.