Pelicans vs Hornets prediction, odds, preview
The New Orleans Pelicans will look to extend their win streak to three games when they face the Charlotte Hornets from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
New Orleans (14-11) has pulled off consecutive wins over the San Antonio Spurs and the Washington Wizards to recover from a rough performance in a blowout loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in the in-season tournament semifinal. The Pelicans posted their highest point total of the season in a 142-122 win over the Wizards on Wednesday. Brandon Ingram scored 40 points to lead the way and Trey Murphy had 27 points and six rebounds coming off the bench.
Star forward Zion Williamson missed the game with a sprained ankle, but Jonas Valanciunas picked up the slack with 16 points and 18 rebounds. Williamson remains questionable for tonight.
Charlotte (7-15) has lost two straight and four out of the past five. The Hornets are coming off losing both ends of a home-and-home against the Miami Heat. Terry Rozier had 28 points and seven assists in the loss and Gordon Hayward chipped in with 20 points.
It's been tough sledding for the Hornets this season, especially since point guard LaMelo Ball went down with an ankle injury. But the problems have generally been on the defensive side of the ball, where the Hornets are 26th in the league in terms of total defense.
Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, lists the visitors as 6.5-point favorites with a total of 232.
New Orleans Pelicans at Charlotte Hornets
Time/TV: 6 p.m. CT (Bally Sports, NBA League Pass)
Over/Under: 232
Moneyline: Pelicans -260, Hornets +210
Analysis: The Hornets are a bad defensive team right now and facing a Pelicans squad that is in the top half of scoring in the League. That being said, the Hornets are respectable at the Spectrum Center as they haven't lost by more than six points on their home court since November 18. New Orleans should have enough to take down Charlotte — regardless of whether Williamson plays or not — but covering the spread might be more challenging.
Prediction: Pelicans 119, Hornets 114 (Over 232)
Best Bet: Pelicans moneyline (-260 at Caesars Sportsbook)
