Los Angeles Clippers vs Charlotte Hornets – Free NBA tip and predictions – January 12, 2026

Los Angeles Clippers – Charlotte Hornets: Are the Clippers finally firing?

Big Western game. Clippers have suddenly found form. Hornets have shown a sharper edge since the start of 2026. Los Angeles rebooted after a messy start and is slowly creeping back toward the Top 10. Charlotte still clings to hope of a play-in spot in the East.

Los Angeles Clippers: the engine’s firing up

The Clippers look steadier these past weeks. Three wins in five. Tyronn Lue’s men are calmer, especially at home. The recent 98-92 win in Detroit did wonders mentally. A slow, grind-it-out defensive night. Proof they can win without lighting it up from deep. Offense sits around 112 points per game. Fine, but it still hinges on their core staying healthy.

Kawhi Leonard’s availability changes everything. With him, LA gets a clear advantage—on offense and in crunch-time control. Without him, the load falls on James Harden. He’s shown plenty he can handle it, but it’s a lot to ask night after night.

Charlotte Hornets: momentum to prove

Charlotte hits California with renewed confidence. Three wins in five, including a 150-95 demolition of Utah. Nine players scored more than ten points in that one. Collective buzz. LaMelo Ball is still the engine, even if nagging injuries dent his rhythm. Behind him, Miller and Knueppel are stepping up and offer real scoring options. On the road the Hornets can hang in. Defensively they leak, though—over 116 points allowed per game. Against a seasoned team like the Clippers, the slightest dip in intensity gets punished fast.

NBA Pick Los Angeles Clippers vs Charlotte Hornets

Clippers to win

Both teams like to push the pace, but experience and team control tilt this toward the Clippers, especially at home. With Harden running things, Zubac in the paint and Leonard if he’s fit, LA has too many weapons for Charlotte over the course of a game. The Hornets can light up the scoreboard in bursts, sure. Their defensive holes will decide the tight moments. At home, the Clippers usually show up for this sort of test.

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