Portland Trail Blazers (23-33) vs Charlotte Hornets (14-40)
Game Info: Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 10:00 pm (Moda Center)
Betting Odds: Portland Trail Blazers -5 -- Over/Under: 222 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Where to Watch: BlazerVision
The Portland Trail Blazers will host the Charlotte Hornets on February 22, 2025, at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers come into the game with a 23-32 record, sitting 11th in the Western Conference, while the Hornets are struggling at 14-39, positioned 14th in the Eastern Conference. Portland is currently on a four-game losing streak, most recently falling 110-102 to the Los Angeles Lakers. During this stretch, they have struggled offensively, averaging just 102.5 points per game. The Hornets have also faced difficulties, losing four of their last five games, including a 129-115 defeat to the Denver Nuggets. Despite the loss, Miles Bridges had a standout performance with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
Both teams are dealing with injuries—Portland will be without Deandre Ayton and Matisse Thybulle, while Jerami Grant and Scoot Henderson are also nursing injuries but are expected to play. The Hornets are missing LaMelo Ball, who is day-to-day with an ankle injury, along with several other key players.
Lamelo Ball Over 23.5 Points
As of February 22, 2025, LaMelo Ball has played 34 games for the Charlotte Hornets in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 27.3 points, 7.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per game. In a standout performance on November 24, 2024, Ball scored a season-high 50 points against the Milwaukee Bucks. However, on February 21, 2025, Ball missed a game against the Denver Nuggets due to left ankle soreness.
In Lamelo's first game back from the All-Star break we saw him have 27 points in a massive upset win against the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hornets are lacking depth when it comes to a scoring perspective so Lamelo has to do it all for this team on offense. Portland is giving up 114.7 points per game to opposing teams which is above the league average. This should be a good spot for Lamelo to have another big night scoring the ball.
Donovan Clingan Over 9.5 Rebounds
As of February 21, 2025, Donovan Clingan, a rookie center for the Portland Trail Blazers, has played 41 games in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 6.8 rebounds per game. Notably, on January 14, 2025, Clingan recorded a career-high 20 rebounds in a game against the Denver Nuggets, becoming the first Blazers rookie to achieve 20 or more rebounds in a game since Sam Bowie in 1985. Throughout the season, Clingan has demonstrated consistent rebounding ability, contributing significantly to the Trail Blazers' efforts on the boards.
When Clingan gets an ample amount of minutes we see him clean up on the glass. With DeAndre Ayton being out due to injury I expect Clingan to have a good night in this one. The Hornets are giving up 53.5 rebounds per game to opposing teams which is the sixth most in the league.
Anfernee Simons Over 19.5 Points
As of February 21, 2025, Anfernee Simons has played 51 games for the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 18.6 points per game. He has maintained a field goal percentage of 42.6% and a three-point shooting percentage of 37.4%. On January 6, 2025, Simons recorded a season-high 36 points in a game.
Simon's is coming off a tough game against the Lakers where he only scored eight points but that was just an off night for everyone on this Portland team. I expect him to bounce back in a game against a much easier opponent in Charlotte. without Henderson and Ayton playing in this game Simons will have to be the leading scorer and I don't see a world where he doesn't score over 20.
Brad’s Pick See Above
AUTHOR: Brad Francis
