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Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: Odds, Injury Report, Prediction

By Evan Birchmore

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 05: Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on December 05, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 05: Jalen McDaniels #6 of the Charlotte Hornets guards Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers in the fourth quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on December 05, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets will look to make it a second straight win as they take on the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, with tipoff set for 10:30 p.m. ET.

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: Odds and Moneyline (FanDuel)

Point spread: Clippers -7

Money line: Clippers -295/Hornets + 240

Over/under: 225.5

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: Injury Report

Hornets: Dennis Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) and Cody Martin (left knee procedure) are OUT. Terry Rozier (right hip contusion) is DOUBTFUL.

Clippers: Paul George (knee), Reggie Jackson (achilles), and Ivica Zubac (knee) are DAY-TO-DAY. Norman Powell (groin) is OUT.

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: Key Statistic

Points could be at a premium

The Clippers enter tonight’s game as the lowest scoring team in the NBA, averaging just 107.0 points per night. The Hornets are not much better, averaging just 110.8 points per night, good for 24th in the league.

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: Key Matchup

Gordon Hayward vs. Kawhi Leonard

Gordon Hayward recently made his return to the lineup and has been more productive with every passing game, raising his scoring output from 9 points to 15 points to 19 points in the last three games. Hayward is averaging 15.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per night on 45.5% shooting in 14 appearances this year. The Hornets are 5-9 in games Hayward has played and are 3-14 in games that he has missed.

Kawhi Leonard has only played in 11 games this season and has posted relatively modest statistics, averaging 15.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.3 assists on 44.4% shooting. However, Leonard always represents a threat, and he proved as much in the first contest between the Hornets and Clippers this season when he knocked down a game-winning shot with 1.4 seconds remaining. The Clippers are 9-2 when Leonard plays this season and 9-12 when he does not.

Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Clippers: Prediction

The Hornets enter tonight’s contest after snapping an eight-game losing streak and now sit at 8-23 on the season. Charlotte has only won two straight games on one occasion this season and has not won consecutive road games since their first two road contests of the season.

Meanwhile, the Clippers have won four of their last five games and now sit at 18-14 on the year.

Charlotte historically struggles in road games against the Clippers, as they have not won such a game since February 28th, 2009. All signs point to tonight’s game continuing that trend.

170. 115. 77. Final. 102

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Friday, December 23rd – at Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET)

Note: Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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