The Charlotte Hornets put together a strong performance in topping the Boston Celtics on Monday night. The New Orleans Pelicans didn’t, as they dropped a game to the Washington Wizards. The Hornets and Pelicans now meet in an intriguing matchup Wednesday. Can the Pelicans get back to the winning column on the road? Read on as we break down Wednesday night’s action.
For more Wednesday night basketball action, check out our complete preview for the Grizzlies vs. Hawks and Knicks vs. Wizards.
[sc:NBAArticles ]New Orleans Pelicans vs. Charlotte Hornets Preview
Where: Time Warner Cable Arena, Charlotte
When: Wednesday, January 7, 7:00 PM ET
Line: New Orleans Pelicans (-4.5) at Charlotte Hornets (+4.5); total 193.5 – view all NBA lines
Betting on the New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans are coming off a 92-85 loss to the Washington Wizards on Monday night. They’ve alternated wins and losses in their past 10 games, but have been money for spread bettors going 7-3 ATS during that run.
[sc:NBA240banner ]Anthony Davis has been a double-double threat in the Pelicans’ last 10 games. He’s averaged 21.5 points and 11.2 rebounds per game. Tyreke Evans has also provided another scoring threat with 16.7 points per game. Davis and Evans should have some success attacking the basket against Charlotte. The Hornets have allowed 43.3 points in the paint per game over their last three games.
If the Pelicans are to come up with a win at Charlotte, they’ll need much more production from the backcourt. Starting point guard Jrue Holiday shot .375 from the field (1-for-5 from downtown) on Monday night. Meanwhile, starting shooting guard Eric Gordon didn’t fare much better going 2-for-8, including 0-for-4 from the three point line in his first game back from injury.
Against a Charlotte defense which has allowed 8.3 three points per game this season (eighth-most in the league), expect Holiday and Gordon to have a better day from downtown.
Betting on the Charlotte Hornets
Kemba Walker and Cody Zeller proved to be too much for the Boston Celtics as the Charlotte Hornets took a 104-95 decision Monday night. Walker scored 20 of his 33 points in the second half, while Zeller had a perfect shooting night. Zeller went 8-for-8 from the floor and hit all four of his free throws for a career-high 20 points.
Zeller may be able to continue his excellent play against New Orleans. The Pelicans have allowed 47 points in the paint per game, third-most in the league this season. However, Zeller may struggle if he gets picked up by one of the league’s stoutest defenders in the Pelicans’ Davis. The New Orleans big man leads the league with 2.91 blocks per game.
If Zeller is shut down, then Walker may be forced to carry the brunt of the offense. He led the team with 26 and 21 field goal attempts in the past two games. Walker has been successful despite taking so many shots, averaging 31.5 points with a .468 clip over the two games.
Walker will be up for another big game when the Hornets welcome New Orleans. The Pelicans have struggled to contain guards in the past four games. They have allowed 54.3 points per game to backcourt players over that span.
The total has gone under in four of the Hornets’ last five games.
Writer’s Prediction
A more balanced attack gives the Pelicans a win. Take New Orleans to win and cover. Create a betting account now and get your daily dose of hard court action.
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