Charlotte Hornets at New Orleans Pelicans odds, picks and predictions

Corey Scott | Staff Writer

The Charlotte Hornets (8-29) and New Orleans Pelicans (24-17) meet Wednesday. Tip-off from Smoothie King Center is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Hornets vs. Pelicans odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Pelicans lead 1-0

The Hornets have failed to cover in back-to-back games since the return of G LaMelo Ball (ankle). Their most recent non-cover was as 8.5-point underdogs in a 104-87 loss at the Miami Heat Sunday as the Under (226) hit.

The Pelicans went 3-2 straight up and against the spread (ATS) on their most recent 5-game road trip, wrapping it up with a non-cover as 5-point favorites in a 125-120 loss against the Dallas Mavericks Monday as the Over (235.5) cashed. F Zion Williamson scored 30 points, but was just 6 of 11 from the charity stripe, missing a potential game-tying free throw with 17 seconds remaining.

In a Dec. 15 meeting, the Hornets covered as 9-point home underdogs in a 112-107 Pelicans win as the Under (233.5) hit.

Hornets at Pelicans odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:17 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hornets +525 (bet $100 to win $525) | Pelicans -750 (bet $750 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +12.5 (-115) | Pelicans -12.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Hornets at Pelicans key injuries

Hornets

F Gordon Hayward (calf) out
G Brandon Miller (back) questionable

Pelicans

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Hornets at Pelicans picks and predictions

Prediction

Pelicans 113, Hornets 112

Moneyline

New Orleans (-750) should bounce back after losing at the shorthanded Mavericks, who were without F Luka Doncic. However, this line is too inflated.

PASS. Take the points and/or bet the total instead.

Against the spread

The Hornets have looked out of sorts since Ball's return, but we know that won't last forever. While the Hornets struggled in the 1st half at Miami last time out, they did outscore the Heat 56-52 after halftime. After 2 days of rest, expect Charlotte as a team to get more comfortable as it continues to reintegrate its star point guard.

The Pelicans are in no position to be laying this kind of number after losing to the Doncic-less Mavericks, especially considering that Ball and the Hornets are likely to start figuring out their chemistry.

BET HORNETS +12.5 (-115).

Over/Under

The Under has hit in back-to-back Hornets games since Ball's return, and Charlotte allowed just 104 points last time out. While the Hornets' offense has struggled in 2 straight, averaging just 93 points per game, they should be able to pick up where they left off defensively against the Heat. Ball's reinsertion to the lineup gives them a 6-foot-7 point guard who will be able to switch and help defend against this long Pelicans roster.

BET UNDER 229.5 (-110).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Corey Scott on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.

Access more NBA coverage:

Facebook Twitter Email