New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets, NBA 2025-26 Season, Today Match Prediction

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Basteball Odds

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New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans are 5th in the Southwest Division and 15th in the Eastern Conference. The record of the Pelicans in the 2025-26 NBA season is 0-6.In their last game against Thunder, the Pelicans lost by 31 points(106-137).Zion Williamson led New Orleans with 20 points, adding 9 rebounds and 6 assists.

The Thunder dominated from the outset, shooting 56.0% from the field and 41.7% from three-point range.The Pelicans' poor start to the season highlights their struggles on both ends of the court. Their upcoming game against the Hornets presents an opportunity to turn their fortunes around.

For the upcoming match against the Charlotte Hornets, the Pelicans have improved their pace and offensive rhythm, allowing them to capitalize on fast breaks and score in transition. Zion Williamson's aggressive drives and ability to finish at the rim have been particularly impactful. Defensively, they've tightened their perimeter defense, forcing opponents into difficult contested shots, and their rim protection has significantly improved.

The Pelicans on average score 107.7 points per game they score 42.1% from the field and are ranked 29th in the league and 34% from the arc are ranked 29th in the league. Rebounds Per Game:- 40.7 rebounds and are ranked 25th in the league. 

Charlotte Hornets

The Hornets are 4th in the Southeast Division and 11th in the Eastern Conference. The record of the Hornets in the 2025-26 NBA season is 3-4.In their last game against Jazz,the Hornets won by 23 points(126-103). Miles Bridges scored 29 points, Kon Knueppel added a career-high 24.High-energy backup center Moussa Diabate provided a huge spark for the Hornets with 17 points and 12 rebounds.

Sion James, Knueppel’s college teammate at Duke, also had a career-high 15 points.Collin Sexton added 10 points and 12 assists for the Hornets, who played without Brandon Miller(shoulder subluxation) and LaMelo Ball(ankle impingement).Charlotte made 12 of 26 shots from beyond the arc in the opening half, while the Jazz were just 4 of 20.

For the upcoming match against the New Orleans Pelicans,the Hornets likely emphasize perimeter scoring and pace control to challenge Pelicans interior defense.On offense, they will rely on LaMelo Ball to facilitate and create scoring opportunities, utilizing their quick guards to drive and shoot from beyond the arc. Defensively, they'll focus on disrupting Zion Williamson post-up game with double-teams and quick rotations, while also contesting three-point attempts from Jordan Poole and other perimeter threats.

The Hornets on average score 121.6 points per game they score 48.1% from the field and are ranked 13th in the league, and 38.7% from the arc and are ranked 7th in the league. Rebounds per Game:- 45.7 and Ranked 12th in season.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineups

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Match Prediction & Analysis

This is the first meeting of the season between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Charlotte Hornets, featuring two teams at different stages of development. The Pelicans return to the Smoothie King Center looking to strengthen their playoff push and maintain their dominant home form, while the Hornets arrive seeking to snap their struggles and find rhythm with their young core.

The Pelicans have been impressive at home this season, driven by the all-around brilliance of Zion Williamson and Jordan Poole. Zion’s paint dominance and Ingram’s mid-range efficiency have made New Orleans’ offense dynamic and difficult to guard.

The Pelicans are averaging around 117 points per game at home and have found a strong defensive identity, holding opponents to under 110 points in recent contests. Their ability to switch defensively and attack inside-out makes them one of the most balanced teams in the West.

The Hornets, on the other hand, continue to rebuild around LaMelo Ball, whose playmaking flair and scoring ability drive their offense. Ball’s chemistry with Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller has been a bright spot, while Ryan kalkbrenner anchors the interior defensively. 

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Player Stats

NEW ORLEANS PELICANS vs CHARLOTTE HORNETS
Winning Prediction

While Charlotte’s speed and creativity could make this matchup entertaining, the Pelicans’ size, experience, and two-way balance give them a clear advantage. If New Orleans controls the paint and limits turnovers, they should comfortably dictate the tempo.

New Orleans Pelicans to Win and cover the spread (-2.5)

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