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
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Charlotte Hornets vs New Orleans Pelicans |
| Date | Sunday, February 2, 2026 |
| Venue | Spectrum Center, Charlotte |
| Tip-off Time (ET) | 3:00 PM |
| Tip-off Time (IST) | Around 1:30 AM (Feb 3) |
| Season | NBA 2025–26 Regular Season |
Current Standings
| Team | Wins | Losses | Conference | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | 22 | 28 | Eastern Conference | 11th |
| New Orleans Pelicans | 13 | 38 | Western Conference | 14th |
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
| Category | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Last 10 Meetings | Pelicans lead 7–3 |
| 2025–26 First Meeting | Pelicans won 116–112 |
| Recent Trend | Pelicans won 4 of last 5 |
| At Charlotte | Hornets 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.
