Charlotte Hornets – New Orleans Pelicans: LaMelo vs Zion
The Hornets and Pelicans meet for the second — and final — time this season. New Orleans won the first game (116-112), but Charlotte has flipped the script with a hot January and looks like one of the league’s best right now. Should be a proper game, and it kicks off at a decent hour for viewers in France (21:00).
Charlotte Hornets: keep the winning run going 
The Hornets are enjoying their best span in nearly a decade. Six straight wins — their longest streak since March 2016 when Kemba Walker’s group rattled off seven. The headline isn’t just the number, it’s who they’ve beaten: San Antonio (111-106), Philadelphia (130-93) and Orlando (124-97). Nobody’s found an answer for them lately.
In January they ranked 6th in offense (117.1 ppg), 2nd in defense (106.1 allowed) and led the league in point difference (+11.0). That stretch has pushed the North Carolina franchise to 11 wins from 17 games and up the Eastern Conference ladder. Play-In looks realistic; Playoffs aren’t ridiculous.
INJURY REPORT : Tidjane Salaun (OUT) – Liam McNeeley (OUT) – Mason Plumlee (OUT) – Josh Green (probable)
New Orleans Pelicans: surprise the hosts 
In a season that’s been messy for New Orleans, a three-win return in five games is exactly the kind of breathing room you take. One of those wins was a tidy scalp of the Spurs (104-95), which gives their recent form a bit more bite. This is game two of a four-game road trip, and James Borrego’s team won’t have it easy against one of the league’s hottest sides.
Season numbers aren’t pretty: 114.4 points scored (21st) and 120.9 allowed (28th). Still, when healthy New Orleans can threaten on both ends. The Zion Williamson–Trey Murphy III combo can cause serious damage on offense, and defenders like Herb Jones and Jose Alvarado add real value on the other side.
INJURY REPORT : Dejounte Murray (OUT)
NBA Pick Charlotte Hornets vs New Orleans Pelicans
Under 236.5 points
Charlotte have stood out recently with a suffocating defence — one of the league’s best since the start of 2026. New Orleans has flaws on both ends but has been involved in lower-scoring affairs lately. Given the matchups, this won’t be a total shutdown, but it also won’t turn into a track meet. Back the under 236.5.
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