The Charlotte Hornets (19-26) challenge the New Orleans Pelicans (25-21) at Spectrum Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports – New Orleans.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 222.5 points with Charlotte set as a 1.5-point favorite.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets Free Prediction
The Pelicans will be looking for a similar result after topping the Chicago Bulls in their last contest, 132-128. New Orleans’ 9.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Chicago, who had a rate of 18.3. The Pelicans’ mark was better than their season average of 13.9, while the Bulls’ was above their season average of 12.0. DeMarcus Cousins played an enormous role in the victory for New Orleans, collecting 44 points, 24 rebounds and 10 assists on his way to his first triple-double of the season.
In the Hornets’ last game, they defeated the Sacramento Kings, 112-107. The Hornets made 20 of their 25 free throws (80.0 percent) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.6 (above their season average of 22.7). With 14 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks, Charlotte’s Dwight Howard had a solid game.
New Orleans could struggle to create turnovers. Charlotte ranks third in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.6 percent), while New Orleans forces the 20th-most turnovers (13.7 percent). Also, the Pelicans rank 24th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.2 percent), while the Hornets rank second in defensive rebounding percentage (81.2 percent).
New Orleans holds records of 25-21 straight up (SU) and 24-22 against the spread (ATS). Games involving the Pelicans have typically gone over the O/U total (60.9 percent).
Meanwhile, Charlotte is 19-26 SU and 18-23-4 ATS. In opposition of New Orleans, games involving the Hornets have a slight tendency to go under the O/U total (51.1 percent).
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Jrue Holiday (25.6 points, 5.8 assists and 2.4 steals) has been stellar for the Pelicans while Howard (15.4 rebounds, 14.4 points, 2.6 blocks and 1.2 steals) has made solid contributions to the Hornets.
After the Pelicans won both games against the Hornets last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent matchup, New Orleans won 125-122. New Orleans made 14 of its 34 three pointers (41.2 percent). Charlotte, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of converting from the free throw line (17-20; 85.0 percent).
New Orleans Pelicans at Charlotte Hornets Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New Orleans is 14-10 ATS with 12 overs and 12 unders.
At home, Charlotte is 11-14-1 ATS with 14 unders and 12 overs.
New Orleans is 7-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Charlotte is 8-2.
In games where they score over 100 points, the Pelicans are 23-14 and the Hornets are 18-11.
New Orleans ranks second in assists per game (26.3) while Charlotte ranks 28th (20.8).
The Hornets rank second in steals allowed per game (6.6) while the Pelicans rank 27th (8.6).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (9.7) while New Orleans ranks 25th (13.5).
The Hornets rank fifth in fast break points allowed per game (9.8) while the Pelicans rank 26th (13.7).
Charlotte ranks second in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.8) while New Orleans ranks 22nd (17.9).
The Hornets average 46.6 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the NBA. The Pelicans rank 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.8).
New Orleans ranks second in points in the paint per game (50.3) while Charlotte ranks 17th (43.2).
The Pelicans rank fifth in blocks allowed per game (4.2) while the Hornets rank 18th (5.1).
New Orleans averages 29.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Charlotte ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (30.0).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New Orleans is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Charlotte is 2-3 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Pelicans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 0.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 111.8 points per game (6.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.0 points per game (0.2 above their season average).
