New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction | 02.02.26

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction, Odds & NBA Picks | 02-02-2026

Get ready for an intriguing regular-season matchup as the struggling New Orleans Pelicans (13-38) travel to Spectrum Center to face the Charlotte Hornets (22-28) on February 2nd, 2026, at 3:00 PM EST. This game pits a Pelicans squad desperately seeking consistency against a Hornets team aiming to climb the Eastern Conference standings, promising an engaging battle with significant implications for both franchises.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Matchup Preview

New Orleans Pelicans Key Stats & Trends

The New Orleans Pelicans have endured a challenging season, reflected in their 13-38 record. Despite their struggles, star forward Zion Williamson leads the team with an impressive 21.7 points per game, showcasing his explosive scoring ability. Rookie big man Derik Queen has been a bright spot, contributing significantly with 7.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists per contest, demonstrating his versatility. Forward Trey Murphy III is another key contributor, averaging 21.5 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.6 SPG, and 0.3 BPG, highlighting his all-around impact. However, the team’s overall offensive and defensive efficiency has been lacking, leading to their poor record.

Injury Report New Orleans Pelicans

• Dejounte Murray (Out): Pelicans head coach James Borrego said Sunday that Murray (Achilles) is “making a lot of progress” but doesn’t appear to be close to making his season debut. “We hope to get him back in our building here soon. He’s doing a lot of work getting ready to get back here,” Borrego said of Murray. “I say in the next month we’ll have a little bit more clarity on where he’s at. But he’s made a lot of progress. Significant progress.”

Charlotte Hornets Key Stats & Trends

The Charlotte Hornets, with a 22-28 record, have shown more promise this season, largely fueled by their dynamic backcourt. Brandon Miller has emerged as a primary scoring threat, averaging 20.8 points per game. The team’s engine is undoubtedly LaMelo Ball, who orchestrates the offense with 7.6 assists per game, alongside 19.0 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.1 SPG, and 0.2 BPG, making him a statistical leader across multiple categories. In the paint, Moussa Diabate provides a strong presence, pulling down 8.5 rebounds per game. The Hornets’ offense, driven by Ball’s playmaking and Miller’s scoring, has been a key strength.

Injury Report Charlotte Hornets

• Josh Green (Day-to-day): Green is probable for Monday’s game against the Pelicans due to a right thumb sprain.
• KJ Simpson (Out): Simpson (hip) has been ruled out for Monday’s game against the 76ers.
• Mason Plumlee (Out): Plumlee underwent surgery to address his right groin injury and will be reevaluated in six weeks, the Hornets announced.

New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction & Best Bet

Given the current team dynamics and injury situations, the Charlotte Hornets appear poised to capitalize on their home-court advantage. The Pelicans are significantly hampered by the continued absence of Dejounte Murray, whose playmaking and defensive prowess are sorely missed, especially against a backcourt as potent as Charlotte’s. While Zion Williamson’s scoring is elite, the Pelicans’ overall team record of 13-38 suggests a lack of consistent support and defensive cohesion.

The Hornets, led by the offensive brilliance of LaMelo Ball (7.6 APG, 19.0 PPG) and Brandon Miller (20.8 PPG), have the firepower to exploit New Orleans’ defensive vulnerabilities. Moussa Diabate’s rebounding (8.5 RPG) will also be crucial in controlling the boards. With Josh Green probable to play, the Hornets maintain more depth. Therefore, we confidently predict the Charlotte Hornets -7.5 (Spread).

Considering both teams feature high-volume scorers and the Pelicans’ defensive struggles, a high-scoring affair is expected. The Hornets’ offensive efficiency combined with the Pelicans’ ability to put up points despite their record, driven by Zion and Murphy, points towards the total. We are taking the Over 233.5 total points.