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Hornets vs. Pelicans Preview: Odds, Lines, Predictions

By Trejan Rowbotham

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Miles Bridges #0, Terry Rozier #3 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets look on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 19, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 19: Miles Bridges #0, Terry Rozier #3 and LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets look on during a game against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on January 19, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are set to hit the road and take on the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday, March 11, at 8 pm ET. This is the first of consecutive contests on the road for Charlotte. Losing seven of their last 10 games, Charlotte needs to get back on the winning track if they have any hope of making the playoffs in 2022.

Thankfully, they are playing the Pelicans. With a record of 27-39, New Orleans is one of the best teams to play when needing to get back to playing winning basketball.

Keys to the Game

LaMelo Ball has to dominate the backcourt. In a game that is not going to feature CJ McCollum, Ball will be the best player on the court. He needs to take control and run the offense against a New Orleans defense that has been allowing 109.4 points per game.

Jonas Valanciunas has to be contained. With McCollum and Brandon Ingram both potentially sidelined, the majority of the offense is going to run through Valanciunas. This could be problematic for Charlotte, who have consistently been obliterated by opposing centers all season. If Charlotte can gameplan for the big man and shut him down, they will have a much easier time securing the victory.

Odds and Moneyline provided by BetUS 

Point spread: Hornets -2.5
Money line: Hornets -145 / Pelicans +125
Over-under: 225

With the current spread, the Hornets are the favorites in a game that they could easily run away with. If McCollum and Ingram both watch from the sidelines, the Hornets should not only win, but also cover the spread comfortably.

The over/under is always hard to bet with Charlotte. While the Hornets own the third-best scoring offense in the league, the over/under is set just high enough for me to consider taking the under.

Final Prediction

The Hornets exit New Orleans as victors, 112-101. Valanciunas has a monster double-double for New Orleans, but Charlotte’s balanced offensive attack proves to be too much for the depleted Pelicans starting five.

Next. Hornets All-Star LaMelo Ball proves he belongs among the NBA’s best. dark

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