The Pelicans have been playing better defense lately, and the Hornets have similarly tightened up during their recent upswing. These trends will continue as the Under is in play tonight in Charlotte.
Feb 2, 2026 • 08:17 ET
• 4 min read
Photo By – Reuters Connect. Pelicans PF Zion Williamson (1) screams after scoring against OKC.
Get set for what should be a terrific night of NBA action when the New Orleans Pelicans visit the Charlotte Hornets.
With both teams surprisingly efficient on defense recently, my Pelicans vs. Hornets predictions expect a low-scoring night.
Read on for my NBA picks for Monday, February 1.
Pelicans vs Hornets prediction
Pelicans vs Hornets best bet: Under 233.5 (-110)
This high total overreacts to the New Orleans Pelicans’ 28th-ranked scoring defense, as recent form suggests better results are expected.
Both teams have slowed significantly, ranking in the league’s bottom half for pace over their last five games.
The Charlotte Hornets‘ surge into the Top 10 in defense during its six-game win streak is similarly undervalued. Meanwhile, New Orleans has paired the league’s 29th-ranked shooting efficiency with surprisingly disciplined defensive stretches.
With Trey Murphy III in a shooting slump and both teams prioritizing half-court execution, expect a deliberate, low-efficiency battle that finishes well below this inflated market number.
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Pelicans vs Hornets same-game parlay
Even with the Under in play, Brandon Miller has cleared his scoring prop in nine of his last 10 games.
While New Orleans can look leaky on defense, they defend the 3-point line reasonably well.
Charlotte launches around 40 threes per game, but the misses from contested attempts are where Zion Williamson thrives.
That shot profile puts him in a position to grab at least six rebounds again, which he’s done in five of his last six outings.
Pelicans vs Hornets SGP
Under 233.5
Brandon Miller Over 22.5 points
Zion Williamson Over 5.5 rebounds
Our “from downtown” SGP: LaMelo From Three
LaMelo Ball is the engine of Charlotte’s offense and never hesitates to fire from deep.
He’s likely to attempt at least eight threes, and the 37% shooter has knocked down 4+ triples in three of his last six.
Pelicans vs Hornets SGP
Under 233.5
Brandon Miller Over 22.5 points
Zion Williamson Over 5.5 rebounds
LaMelo Ball Over 3.5 made threes
Pelicans vs Hornets odds
Spread: Pelicans +6.5 (-110) | Hornets -6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Pelicans +220 | Hornets -270
Over/Under: Over 231.5 (-110) | Under 231.5 (-110)
Pelicans vs Hornets betting trend to know
The Hornets have stayed Under the total in 65 % of their home games this season (8-14 O/U). Find more NBA betting trends for Pelicans vs. Hornets.
How to watch Pelicans vs Hornets
Location
Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC
Date
Monday, February 2, 2026
Tip-off
7:00 p.m. ET
TV
GCSEN, FDSN-Charlotte
Pelicans vs Hornets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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Prior to joining Covers in 2022, Phil Naessens spent 38 years as a resident tennis pro in Las Vegas, Mykonos, and Corfu, Greece. He’s the past host of the Phil Naessens Show (Armed Forces Radio), and currently hosts the Crush and Rush Tennis Podcast.
Phil is the author of the Betting 101 series (MLB, NFL, NCAAF, and Tennis) and has written for numerous publications, including Advance Local, SB Nation, FanSided, and Lenny Melnick Fantasy Sports.
His favorite sports to bet on are tennis, MLB, WNBA, Euro men’s and women’s hoops, NCAA sports, NFL, and the NBA. Phil has numerous betting accounts in the US and Europe, and his best advice is to line shop for the best value possible.
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