The New Orleans Pelicans (1-0) and Charlotte Hornets (1-0) meet Friday at Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Pelicans vs. Hornets odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Pelicans F Zion Williamson scored 25 points in his return from a foot injury in a 130-108 win as 3-point underdogs at the Brooklyn Nets Wednesday. F Brandon Ingram led New Orleans with 28 points.
Williamson is tied with New York Knicks PG Jalen Brunson for the 4th-best odds to win Most Improved Player at +1500.
Hornets G Terry Rozier scored 24 points in a 129-102 win at the San Antonio Spurs Wednesday. Charlotte closed as a 1-point favorite over the Spurs even though the Hornets were without All-Star PG LaMelo Ball and their leading scorer last season F Miles Bridges.
Charlotte is an underdog to make the playoffs at +250.
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Pelicans at Hornets odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Pelicans -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Hornets +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pelicans -6.5 (-115) | Hornets +6.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
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Pelicans at Hornets key injuries
Pelicans
- C Jaxson Hayes (elbow) questionable
- G Kira Lewis Jr. (knee) out
Hornets
- G LaMelo Ball (ankle) out
- F Cody Martin (quadricep) doubtful
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Pelicans at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Pelicans 119, Hornets 116
Moneyline
PASS.
Pelicans (-300) ML should hit, but the number is too inflated. There are better opportunities in other markets.
Against the spread
BET HORNETS +6.5 (-105).
The Pelicans are coming off a blowout win over the Nets who have the 5th-best odds to win the NBA Finals at +750. The upset win was a talking point on national TV and has inflated the Pelicans’ odds in this game. Wednesday’s win is a small sample size, and the Pelicans haven’t proven enough to be laying 6.5 points on the road. Take the points with a very capable Hornets team at home.
Over/Under
BET OVER 230.5 (-112).
Charlotte’s offense scored 129 points vs. San Antonio and looks like it can still be dangerous, even without Ball and Bridges. The Over is 5-1 in the Pelicans’ last 6 games dating back to last season and should hit again Friday as these 2 high-powered offenses pick up where they left off in their season openers.
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