The Charlotte Hornets return to the Queen City and will host their first home game of the season with the New Orleans Pelicans coming to town.
The Hornets are 1-0 thanks to a strong performance in San Antonio against the Spurs on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, the Pelicans picked up an impressive road victory over the Brooklyn Nets to begin their season with a victory.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Odds and Moneyline (FanDuel)
Point Spread: Pelicans -6.5
Money line: Pelicans -290/ Hornets +235
Over-under: 229.5
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Injury Report
Hornets: LaMelo Ball (left ankle sprain) is OUT. Cody Martin (left quad soreness) is DOUBTFUL.
Pelicans: Kira Lewis Jr. (knee) is OUT. Jaxson Hayes (elbow) is QUESTIONABLE.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Key Statistic
The battle on the offensive boards
The Pelicans grabbed 21 offensive rebounds in their win over the Nets on Wednesday night, the most by any team in a game this season.
Nick Richards secured eight offensive rebounds in Charlotte’s win over San Antonio, the most by any player in a game this season.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Key Matchup
P.J. Washington vs. Zion Williamson
P.J. Washington enjoyed a strong performance to start the season, posting 17 points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes of action on Wednesday night. He also recorded a team-high three blocks.
Zion Williamson played in his first regular season game in over 17 months on Wednesday night, racking up 25 points and nine rebounds while also swiping a game-high four steals. The ultimate matchup nightmare, Williamson is the only player in NBA history with career averages of at least 25 points and 60% shooting.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Prediction
The Hornets began their season on a strong note against what very well may be the worst team in the league this season. The competition gets much stiffer for this matchup, as the Pelicans appear poised for a breakout season. While the home crowd energy will help Charlotte, New Orleans will ultimately prove to be too much for the home team.
Final score: Pelicans 120, Hornets 108
What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?
Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks – Sunday, October 23rd (5:00 p.m. ET)
Note: Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.