The Charlotte Hornets aim to extend their five-game winning streak as they face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in the only afternoon NBA game scheduled for Monday. Currently, the Hornets hold an 11th-place position in the Eastern Conference with a 22-28 record, while the Pelicans sit 14th in the Western Conference, holding a 13-38 record despite winning three of their last five games. Notably, both teams boast strong performances against the spread this season, with the Pelicans at 28-23 and the Hornets at 29-21.
The game, originally set for later, will tip off at 3 p.m. ET at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center, moved earlier due to winter storms. Charlotte is favored by 6.5 points, with a total points over/under of 230.5. Before placing your bets, SportsLine’s Projection Model offers predictions and betting strategies for the matchup.
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The SportsLine model, which simulates every NBA game 10,000 times, has generated over $10,000 in returns on $100 bets over the past eight seasons and carries a 37-16 record on top spreads entering Week 15 of the 2025-26 season. Simulations for this matchup suggest 11 players will reach double figures in scoring, led by Brandon Miller of Charlotte (20.6 points) and Zion Williamson of New Orleans (20.1 points). The model predicts the total score will hit 239 points 60% of the time, surpassing the set over/under of 230.5 points. It also forecasts one team covering the spread nearly 60% of the time.
For full predictions and picks, visit SportsLine, where results are available along with opportunities to stream the game on Fubo (with a free trial) and further betting insights.
Fan Take: This matchup between the Hornets and Pelicans is more than just another game; it highlights the rise of competitive teams that defy expectations, making betting and game-watching more thrilling for fans. With emerging stars like Miller and Williamson showcasing their talent, this game could signal a promising future for both franchises and add excitement to the NBA landscape.
