New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction 1/25/25 NBA Picks

The New Orleans Pelicans have been in pretty good form as they've won five of their last seven games overall, but they will be looking to bounce back in this one after having their four-game win streak snapped by the Grizzlies in a 139-126 overtime road defeat last night. Dejounte Murray led the team with 26 points and seven assists, CJ McCollum and Trey Murphy scored 22 points each while Jordan Hawkins chipped in with 20 points off the bench. As a team, the Pelicans shot 54 percent from the field and 14 of 34 from the 3-point line as they exploded for 42 points in the second quarter to build an 11-point lead, only to get completely blown out by 77-55 in the second half as they just had no answer for the Grizzlies' starters who drained shot after shot. 

Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have been in decent form as they've won four of their last seven games overall, but they will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting beaten by the Trail Blazers in a 102-97 home defeat last night. Nick Smith Jr led the team with 17 points and six assists, Josh Okogie added 16 points with 10 rebounds off the bench, while Mark Williams chipped in with 15 points, nine rebounds and three blocks. As a team, the Hornets shot just 37 percent from the field and nine of 31 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 30 points in the first quarter to lead for most of the contest, until midway through the fourth quarter where the Trail Blazers went on a pivotal 8-0 run to start to pull away. The Hornets will meet the Lakers after this game.

Why the Charlotte Hornets will win

• The Pelicans have lost nine of their last 10 games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The home team has won five of the Pelicans' last six games.
• The Pelicans have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight road games with both teams on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Hornets have covered the spread in six of their last seven games as home underdogs on the second leg of a back-to-back.

Why the New Orleans Pelicans will win

• The Pelicans have won each of their last six night games against the Hornets following a road loss.
• The Hornets have lost 11 of their last 12 home games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back.
• The Pelicans have covered the spread in each of their last six night games against the Hornets following a road loss.
• The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games at Spectrum Center against Pelicans teams that held a losing record.

The Pelicans are still missing Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson, while the Hornets have ruled out Seth Curry once again. The Pelicans come into this meeting as road favorites as they were really playing some of their best basketball of the season before they ran into a red-hot Grizzlies last night, while the Hornets are regressing following a bit of a streak. You could make an argument for either side here, but even though the Pelicans are still banged up, I think they get the job done on the road.