The New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets meet Monday in NBA action at the Spectrum Center. Here’s a Hornets vs Pelicans Prediction. This article will include a Hornets vs Pelicans Pick.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Preview
The New Orleans Pelicans beat the Grizzlies, lost to the 76ers, and they play the Bucks next. The Pelicans have lost 16 of their last 21 games.
The New Orleans Pelicans are averaging 114.4 points on 46 percent shooting and allowing 120.9 points on 48.1 percent shooting. Zion Williamson is averaging 21.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, while Trey Murphy III is averaging 21.5 points and 5.9 rebounds. Saddiq Bey is the third double-digit scorer, and Jordan Poole is dishing 3.1 assists. The New Orleans Pelicans are shooting 33.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.6 percent from the free-throw line. The New Orleans Pelicans are allowing 36 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets beat the Mavericks and Spurs, and they play the Rockets next. The Hornets have won 9 of their last 12 games.
The Charlotte Hornets are averaging 116.2 points on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 114.6 points on 47.4 percent shooting. Brandon Miller is averaging 20.8 points and 3.4 assists, while LaMelo Ball is averaging 19 points and 4.8 rebounds. Kon Knueppel is the third double-digit scorer and Miles Bridges is dishing 3.5 assists. The Charlotte Hornets are shooting 37.3 percent from beyond the arc and 81.3 percent from the free-throw line. The Charlotte Hornets are allowing 36.7 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.8 rebounds per game.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Pelicans have lost each of their last eight day games.
- The Hornets have won each of their last 12 games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in each of their last 10 games as underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the last six games between the Pelicans and Hornets.
Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win
- The Pelicans have won four of their last five games as road underdogs against the Hornets.
- The Hornets have lost eight of their last nine games against Western Conference opponents after winning as underdogs.
- The Pelicans have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games against the Hornets following a road loss.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games as favorites after winning as underdogs.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last seven games as favorites following a home win have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of the Pelicans’ last eight games at Spectrum Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Kon Knueppel ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (89.5%) this season.
- LaMelo Ball ranks 4th amongst qualified players for three-pointers made per 36 minutes (4.4) this season.
New Orleans Pelicans Player Facts
- Herb Jones is one of only two players in the league to have recorded 8+ steals in a game this season.
- Zion Williamson ranks 2nd amongst qualified Forwards for FG% (58.2%) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Hornets rank 30th in the league for steals per game this season (6.7).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (16.3).
- The Pelicans have recorded the largest comeback win from a HT deficit this season – trailed by 22 points vs Rockets on December 18.
- The Pelicans rank 1st for points in the paint (2952) this season.
Hornets vs Pelicans Injury Report
The Hornets will be without Mason Plumlee and KJ Simpson.
The Pelicans will be without Dejounte Murray.
Hornets vs Pelicans Prediction
I was high on the Hornets entering the season, and they’re finally starting to turn the corner and string wins together. I would rather not say it too loudly, but the Hornets might be good? The Pelicans are a joke, especially on the road, where they have just 5 wins. The line is what it is for good reason.
However, it’s still strange to see the Hornets in the big favorite role, and I’m just not there yet. This will be the ninth time since February 2023 that the Hornets are a favorite of 5 or more points. I’m a believer in the direction the Hornets are moving, but I’m simply not there yet to lay these big numbers. It’s Pelcians or pass for me.