New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 25, 2025

The NBA’s Saturday schedule includes a New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets matchup, showcasing two young, exciting teams with electrifying talent. While both squads are missing key stars, this contest promises to deliver an entertaining night for basketball fans.

This game marks the first meeting between these teams this season. Both the Pelicans and the Hornets are playing the second half of a back-to-back, coming off losses.

Here’s a preview of the New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets showdown, scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Preview and Odds

Moneyline: Pelicans (-170) vs Hornets (+142)

Spread: Pelicans -3.5 (-110) vs Hornets +3.5 (-110)

Total (O/U): Pelicans o228.5 (-110) vs Hornets u228.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets preview

Despite their records, both teams have been playing inspired basketball lately. The New Orleans Pelicans had a four-game winning streak snapped by the Grizzlies on Friday, but they’ll look to rebound in Charlotte.

After a weather-related postponement in Louisiana, the Pelicans appeared a bit rusty in their loss to Memphis but should be ready to go tonight. Over their last five games, they’ve boasted the fourth-best offense in the NBA.

The Charlotte Hornets, meanwhile, rattled off three consecutive wins before suffering back-to-back losses to the Grizzlies and Trail Blazers. Tonight marks the second game of their nine-game homestand, and they’ll face a Pelicans team steadily regaining its form.

There’s some good news for Pelicans fans: Zion Williamson is expected to return to the lineup. Unfortunately for Hornets fans, Brandon Miller is sidelined for the season with a wrist injury.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets predicted starting lineups

Injury reports have yet to be released, but here are the projected lineups:

Pelicans

G - Dejounte Murray | G - CJ McCollum | F - Trey Murphy III | F - Jeremiah Robinson-Earl | C - Yves Missi

Hornets

G - LaMelo Ball | G - Nick Smith Jr. | F - Cody Martin | F - Josh Green | C - Mark Williams

Editor's note: These are the predicted lineups and could change based on the availability of players.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets betting props

• Zion Williamson’s O/U: 21.5 points. Despite his return from injury, betting the over is a smart choice.
• CJ McCollum’s O/U: 19.5 points (-102 on FanDuel). Bet the over, given his recent hot streak.
• Josh Green’s O/U: 7.5 points (-104 on FanDuel). Expect him to exceed this total.

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New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets prediction

The Pelicans bring more firepower than the Hornets, proving that when healthy, they can compete with strong teams. The Hornets, while resilient, don’t pose as much of a threat. Expect New Orleans to win comfortably, likely by double digits. Take the Pelicans to cover the spread and bet the over.