Charlotte Hornets vs Pelicans: Prediction, Injuries, Recent Games, Player Stats & H2H
The NBA 2025–26 regular season features a crucial matchup as the Charlotte Hornets take on the New Orleans Pelicans at the Spectrum Center. Due to a winter storm warning in the area, the league has rescheduled the tip-off to 3:00 PM ET, making it an atypical afternoon game.
Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Charlotte Hornets vs New Orleans Pelicans |
| Date | February 2, 2026 |
| Venue | Spectrum Center, Charlotte |
| Tip-off Time (ET) | 3:00 PM |
| Tip-off Time (IST) | Around 1:30 AM (Feb 3) |
Current Standings
- Charlotte Hornets: 22 Wins, 28 Losses (11th in Eastern Conference)
- New Orleans Pelicans: 13 Wins, 38 Losses (14th in Western Conference)
Recent Team Form
Charlotte Hornets
Charlotte has been on an impressive run, winning six consecutive games and securing eight victories in their last ten outings. Their recent success is attributed to strong home performances and a noticeable improvement in late-game defense.
New Orleans Pelicans
The Pelicans are struggling, particularly in away games. They have lost seven of their last eleven and have a dismal road record of 5–19. Despite some signs of defensive improvement, their offensive consistency is lacking.
Injury Report
New Orleans Pelicans
- Dejounte Murray – Out (Achilles rupture, long-term)
- Josh Green – Probable (thumb sprain)
Charlotte Hornets
- Mason Plumlee – Out (long-term)
- KJ Simpson – Questionable
- LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are available for selection.
Key Player Statistics
Charlotte Hornets
- LaMelo Ball: Leading assists and playmaking, controls game tempo.
- Brandon Miller: Averaging over 22 points per game, key scoring player.
- Team averages: ~116 points per game, ~46 rebounds, ~27 assists.
New Orleans Pelicans
- Zion Williamson: Primary scoring option, strong inside presence.
- Derik Queen: Young center showing steady improvement.
- Concerns: High turnovers (~14 per game), poor defensive rating.
Head-to-Head Record
In their last ten meetings, the Pelicans hold the edge with a 7–3 record. However, in their last matchup during the current season, the Pelicans won 116–112. Despite historical success against Charlotte, the current form favors the Hornets.
Match Prediction
Analysts largely favor the Hornets due to their winning streak and home advantage. Here are some betting insights:
- Spread: Hornets -6.5
- Moneyline: Hornets are strong favorites
- Over/Under: Approximately 232 points
Predicted final score: Charlotte Hornets 111 – New Orleans Pelicans 107. Charlotte’s deep roster and momentum provide a significant advantage, while the Pelicans look to remain competitive early on. The Hornets aim to extend their winning streak to seven games, a notable achievement for the franchise.
