Charlotte Hornets (8-28) vs. New Orleans Pelicans (24-16)
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans January 17, 2024 – In an intriguing NBA face-off, the struggling Charlotte Hornets, with a record of 8-28, prepare to take on the formidable New Orleans Pelicans, who stand at an impressive 24-16. This matchup, scheduled for Wednesday, is being closely watched by fans and bettors alike, especially those looking for the best NBA free prediction. The game promises to be an exciting showdown at the Smoothie King Center.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans January 17, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Smoothie King Center |
| TV: | BSNO |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
LaMelo Ball (PG) vs. Zion Williamson (PF)
LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets point guard extraordinaire, has been an undoubted standout this season. Playing 16 games across three NBA conferences, Ball averaged 33 minutes while scoring an impressive 24.9 point per game and dishing out 8 assists per game while maintaining an uninspiring turnover rate of 4.1 per game – yet still managing to pull in 1.6 steals per game for added versatility!
Zion Williamson of the New Orleans Pelicans stands in stark contrast to Ball. Williamson has averaged 30.4 minutes and 22 points over 32 games played, boasting 5.9 rebounding per game as well as contributing 4.6 assists and slightly less turnovers at 2.6 per game than Ball; further solidifying his presence on court through 0.9 steals per game and 0.4 blocks per contest.
When Ball and Williamson collide, it will be an epic test of agility versus power. Ball’s speed and scoring abilities will test Pelicans defense while Williamson’s physicality tests Hornets resilience; their individual performances could change the direction of this matchup significantly.
Hornets’ Struggle for Consistency
Charlotte Hornets have had a difficult season, as evidenced by their average of 108.9 points per game and field goal percentage of 45.9%. Three-point shooting is only average at 35.9% while defensively they struggled, as evidenced by only 6.7 steals and 4.8 blocks per game. Their ability to limit turnovers (13.2) and fouls (19.4) may prove crucial when facing Pelicans.
Pelicans’ Offensive Prowess
New Orleans Pelicans have been an impressive offensive team, scoring an average of 116.4 points per game on 48.7% field goal shooting and 38.3% three-point shooting. Defensively, they outshone Charlotte Hornets with 8.3 steals and 4.9 blocks per game; also their ability to control game with 44.3 rebound average and 26.9 assist rate is evidence of team cohesion and efficiency.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds are yet to be announced, but given the contrasting forms of both teams, the Pelicans are likely to be the favorites. The Hornets’ struggle to find consistency this season could influence the odds significantly. However, the unpredictability of the NBA means there’s always potential for an upset.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Trends
Hornets are 1-4 in their last 5 games.
Charlotte Hornets are 1-3 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Hornets are 7-12 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 1 of Hornets’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 8 of Hornets’ 17 last games at home.
New Orleans Pelicans Betting Trends
Pelicans are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
New Orleans Pelicans are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Pelicans are 11-8 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Pelicans’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 9 of Pelicans’ 20 last games at home.
Charlotte Hornets vs. New Orleans Pelicans Betting Picks
By considering recent performances and stats of these teams, the New Orleans Pelicans appear to be the more reliable option. Their offensive strength and cohesion give them an advantage over Charlotte Hornets; however, bettors should keep an eye out for LaMelo Ball’s individual performance as his impact could offer value in prop bets.
For those utilizing USA Legal Betting Sites, exploring options like over/under bets might be worthwhile, especially given the Pelicans’ tendency for high-scoring games. The Hornets, while underdogs, could potentially cover the spread if they capitalize on their strengths, such as Ball’s playmaking and scoring abilities.
Final advice to bettors would be to focus on both Pelicans for an outright win, while keeping an eye out on both spread and total point betting opportunities with Hornets being capable of keeping games close or causing upsets in terms of spread betting options.
Receiving Yards Prop: Pelicans 115, Hornets 101
