Two of the most dominant NBA victories earlier this week came courtesy of the New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets. Now, they will be facing off against each other in an intra-conference matchup Friday night.
The Pelicans are heading into Buzz City following an impressive performance against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
They won the game 130-108 as Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum all scored at least 21 points. New Orleans is a team on the rise that is a dark horse in the Western Conference.
The Hornets picked up a nice victory over the San Antonio Spurs 129-102 despite not having LaMelo Ball in the lineup. Seven different players scored in double-figures with Terry Rozier leading the way with 24 points.
LATEST NBA NEWS: New Orleans Pelicans & Charlotte Hornets Updates
Last season, the Hornets won both of the meetings between these two teams. However, the all-time series is lopsided in favor of New Orleans, who is 23-12 against Charlotte.
How To Watch New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets
Date: October 21st, 2022
Time: 7:00 PM ET/6:00 PM CT
Location: Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC
TV Channel: Bally Sports New Orleans, Bally Sports Southeast
Radio: WRNO 99.5 FM (NOP), WFNZ 92.7 FM (CHA)
NBA Injury Report: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets
New Orleans Pelicans Injury Report: Jaxson Hayes – Questionable (Left Elbow UCL Tear), Kira Lewis Jr. – Out (Right Knee ACL Injury Recovery), E.J. Liddell – Out (Right Knee ACL Injury Recovery)
Charlotte Hornets Injury Report: LaMelo Ball – Out (Left Ankle Sprain), Cody Martin – Doubtful (Left Quad Soreness)
NBA Expected Starting Lineups: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets
New Orleans Pelicans Expected Starting Lineup: G CJ McCollum, G Herb Jones, F Brandon Ingram, F Zion Williamson, C Jonas Valanciunas
Charlotte Hornets Expected Starting Lineup: G Terry Rozier, G Kelly Oubre Jr., F Gordon Hayward, F P.J. Washington, C Mason Plumlee
NBA Betting Odds: New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets
Pelicans vs. Hornets Spread: Pelicans -6.5
Pelicans vs. Hornets Over/Under Total: 226 Points
Pelicans vs. Hornets Moneylines: Pelicans -267, Hornets +215
Without LaMelo Ball in the lineup, there are plenty of opportunities to find value in Hornets’ player props. However, almost none of it will be on the glass, where the Pelicans have a distinct advantage. If you are going to play any rebounding props, Pelican overs and Hornet unders are the way to go.
The Pelicans play much more stifling defense than the Spurs. With Herb Jones likely being tasked with defending Terry Rozier, someone else will have to step up. Kelly Oubre Jr. could present the most value with McCollum as his matchup, followed by P.J. Washington.
LATEST NBA NEWS: New Orleans Pelicans & Charlotte Hornets Updates
McCollum, Ingram and Herb Jones are all worth looking into 3-point props for. Jones can offer sneaky assist and points scored value as well, likely being matched up with the weakest Hornets defender. Williamson and Valanciunas offer the most value rebounding-wise.
