It's been a rough start to a 9-game homestand for the Charlotte Hornets, and it doesn't get any easier when the Los Angeles Clippers come to town Friday night.
Charlotte has dropped four of its last five, including a 1-3 at home, and will be without star guard LaMelo Ball, who's out with an ankle injury.
They're massive 14.5-point underdogs in the NBA odds as they welcome an LA squad that's won seven of 10. Our Clippers vs. Hornets prediction has the visitors grinding the Bugs to a halt.
Read below for our preview and NBA picks for this one that tips off at 7 pm from the Spectrum Center.
Clippers vs Hornets prediction
My best bet
Under 212.5 points (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
The Los Angeles Clippers just beat the San Antonio Spurs 128-116 Wednesday night, giving them wins in three of the last four and evening up their record at 1-1 as they hit the halfway point of their 4-game road trip.
The Clippers continue to do it with defense. Over the last 10 games, they have held their opponents to 102.2 points per game, with awesome shooting splits: 41.7% from the field and 32.9% from 3-point range.
Their offense, which ranks Bottom 10 in the league, has also seen an uptick, pouring in 115.5 points per contest.
LA, starting the day above the play-in fray in sixth place, is also working Kawhi Leonard into the rotation to get him ready for a postseason run.
The playoffs are a distant memory for the Charlotte Hornets, who are 12-32 and tied for the third-fewest wins in the NBA.
LaMelo Ball hurt his ankle in their recent loss to the Lakers, and he'll be out for at least another week. They're also missing center Mark Williams, who's out with a foot injury.
Without LaMelo, Charlotte's offense cratered in a 104-83 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, the Hornets' lowest-scoring output of the season.
The Hornets are already the third-lowest scoring team in the league, putting up just 107.5 points per game, but they're lost without Ball, who counts as their only legit shot-creator and one of Charlotte's few shot-makers.
In the 12 other games without LaMelo besides Brooklyn, the Hornets are 1-11, and are averaging 100.7 points per game.
The Clippers have won 12 in a row in this head-to-head, and nothing changes here, but we'll stick to the Under, as that 14.5-point line is a little too risky.
Clippers vs Hornets same-game parlay
Under 212.5 points
Norman Powell Over 22.5 points
Miles Bridges Under 22.5 points
Let's add Norm Powell to this SGP, as the 31-year-old is having a standout season. Powell dropped 27 last game against the Spurs, giving him 19 games this season with at least 25.
His line is set for 22.5 against the Hornets, a figure he's crossed in eight of his last 11. Powell also missed the Over two other occasions by a single point.
Without Ball, Miles Bridges looks to be the de facto scoring option, as he went for 23 against the Nets after dropping 26 against the Lakers when LaMelo got hurt.
But Bridges hasn't really found his offensive groove against LA. Save for a 33-piece he hung on their last meeting, he's gone under his 22.5 total in seven of eight career games against the Clips.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Clippers vs Hornets odds
Clippers vs Hornets live odds
Clippers vs Hornets opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles 13.5 (-110) | Charlotte 13.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Los Angeles (-900) | Charlotte (+600)
- Over/Under: Over 215.5 (-110) | Under 215.5 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365.
Clippers vs Hornets spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Clippers have won five straight road games in Charlotte.
- Charlotte is 1-3-1 against the spread in its last five games.
- LA has alternated the O/U in eight straight games.
- The Over has cashed in four of the last six head-to-head meetings.
Clippers vs Hornets trend
Each of the Hornets' last nine games without LaMelo Ball has cashed the Under. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Hornets.
How to watch Clippers vs Hornets
| Location | Spectrum Center, Charlotte, NC |
| Date | Friday, 1-31-2025 |
| Tip-off | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSSE, FDSSC |
Clippers vs Hornets latest injuries
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