Mar 28, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets guard DaQuan Jefferies (3) passes the ball between Toronto Raptors forward Jamison Battle (77) and center Orlando Robinson (21) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Score predictions for Charlotte Hornets at New Orleans Pelicans

Originally posted on Charlotte Hornets on SI
By Schuyler Callihan | Last updated Mar 30, 2025 4:32 PM ET

We've got a barnburner tonight in the Bayou as the Charlotte Hornets square off against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Here's how our staff sees this one playing out.

Zach Roberts: Pelicans 107, Hornets 104

This is arguably a must-lose game for the Hornets. They’re barely within the top 3, and losing to the Pelicans would put them even closer to falling out. Does that matter to them? Probably not. The Pelicans are arguably more banged up than Charlotte, making this a game Charlotte should win. But they lose those sorts of games all the time, so they’ll do that again today.

Matt Alquiza: Hornets 101, Pelicans 90

This one isn’t for the faint of heart, folks. Two of the worst teams are set to battle it out with the loser inching closer to securing the ultimate prize known as Cooper Flagg. New Orleans is playing better basketball as of late and boasts the home-court advantage, so I see this one going the way of the Pelicans.

Austin Leake: Pelicans 102, Hornets 98

This is a game where the Hornets should probably lose to stay in the top three odds for the No. 1 pick. The Hornets have won just two games without LaMelo Ball and I expect that to continue even versus a decimated team like New Orleans.

Owen O'Connor: Pelicans 99, Hornets 92

The Hornets are not exactly an incredible team without LaMelo Ball, and the Pelicans have been a rough team all year. This could be a contender for one of the worst games of the season and could be a big matchup in the race for Cooper Flagg.