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Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: Odds, Injury Report, Prediction

By Evan Birchmore

Mar 21, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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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.

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