Charlotte Hornets vs New Orleans Pelicans Prediction, Injury Update, Last 5 Games, Player Stats & Head-to-Head

The NBA 2025–26 regular season continues with an important matchup in the Eastern Conference race as the Charlotte Hornets host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Spectrum Center.

Due to a winter storm warning in the region, the league has moved the tip-off four hours earlier, making this an unusual afternoon NBA game. Charlotte come into this matchup in strong form, while New Orleans are struggling near the bottom of the Western Conference standings.

Charlotte Hornets vs Pelicans Match Details

DetailInformationMatchCharlotte Hornets vs New Orleans PelicansDateSunday, February 2, 2026VenueSpectrum Center, CharlotteTip-off Time (ET)3:00 PMTip-off Time (IST)Around 1:30 AM (Feb 3)SeasonNBA 2025–26 Regular Season

Current Standings

TeamWinsLossesConferencePositionCharlotte Hornets2228Eastern Conference11thNew Orleans Pelicans1338Western Conference14th

Charlotte remain in the play-in race, while New Orleans are running out of time to turn their season around.

Last 5 Games – Team Form

Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte are one of the hottest teams in the league right now.

• Won 6 straight games
• 8 wins in their last 10 games
• Strong home performances
• Recent win over San Antonio showed defensive control late in games

Momentum is clearly on the Hornets’ side.

New Orleans Pelicans

The Pelicans continue to struggle, especially away from home.

• Lost 7 of their last 11 games
• Road record: 5–19
• Defensive effort improving slightly
• Offensive consistency remains a concern

Also see: Top 10 Most 3-Pointers in an NBA Game

Charlotte Hornets vs Pelicans Injury Report (Latest Update)

New Orleans Pelicans

• Dejounte Murray – Out (Achilles rupture, long-term)
• Josh Green – Probable (thumb sprain)
• No other major rotation injuries reported

Charlotte Hornets

• Mason Plumlee – Out (long-term)
• KJ Simpson – Questionable
• Several young players assigned to G-League
• LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller are available

Also see: Highest Triple-Double Achievements in NBA History

Charlotte Hornets vs Pelicans Key Player Stats

Charlotte Hornets

• LaMelo Ball: Team leader in assists and playmaking, controls tempo
• Brandon Miller: Averaging over 22 points per game, primary scorer
• Team averages:
  • Points per game: ~116
  • Rebounds: ~46
  • Assists: ~27

Charlotte’s offense has been efficient, especially during this winning run.

New Orleans Pelicans

• Zion Williamson: Main scoring option, strong inside presence
• Derik Queen: Young center showing steady improvement
• Team concerns:
  • Defensive rating among bottom teams
  • High turnovers (~14 per game)

Also see: Most Points Scored in an NBA Game

Charlotte Hornets vs Pelicans Head-to-Head Record

CategoryAdvantageLast 10 MeetingsPelicans lead 7–32025–26 First MeetingPelicans won 116–112Recent TrendPelicans won 4 of last 5At CharlotteHornets usually competitive

Despite New Orleans’ historical edge, current form heavily favors Charlotte.

Charlotte Hornets vs Pelicans Match Prediction

Most analysts are backing the Hornets due to their recent form and home advantage.

• Spread: Hornets -6.5
• Moneyline: Hornets strong favorites
• Over/Under: Around 232 points
• Popular angle: Under total points due to improved defense

Predicted Score

Charlotte Hornets 111 – New Orleans Pelicans 107

Why Charlotte are favored:

• Ongoing winning streak
• Strong home performances
• Pelicans’ poor road record
• Absence of Dejounte Murray

Brandon Miller scoring over 22 points remains a popular player prop.

This game gives the Charlotte Hornets a chance to extend their winning streak to seven games, a rare achievement in recent franchise history. New Orleans may stay competitive early, but Charlotte’s depth, confidence, and home crowd should make the difference.