Charlotte Hornets vs LA Clippers prediction

Recent results

• Charlotte Hornets: 1 win from the last 5, average margin −15.0 points (L 96–101 @ PHX, W 124–112 v CLE, L 80–119 v BOS, L 104–114 @ BKN, L 91–124 v DET).
• LA Clippers: 2 wins from the last 5, average margin −2.8 points (W 113–112 v OKC, L 110–133 @ PHX, W 139–123 v NO, L 116–117 v MIA, L 118–125 v TOR).

This is the first meeting between these teams this season. Results are taken from final scores, most recent first.

Preview

LA Clippers are our pick at home against the Charlotte Hornets. The model gives them a 59% chance of winning, which makes this game a lean (55 to 65%).

On the rosters we expect, LA Clippers rate as the stronger team (85.5 to 82.1 on our team-strength rating), and that is the main reason for the pick.

Recent form: Charlotte Hornets have been losing by 6.1 points a game, while LA Clippers have been losing by 3.5 points a game.

Injuries: Charlotte Hornets will be without Dennis Schroder (31 min a game) and Kon Knueppel (30 min a game) and LA Clippers will be without Brandon Ingram (32 min a game), Jordan Miller (25 min a game) and Bradley Beal (20 min a game). Players listed as unsure are counted by how likely they are to play.

Season so far: Charlotte Hornets are 4–8 and LA Clippers are 3–8.

What could change the pick: late injury news. We re-check every 15 minutes until game time, then the pick is frozen and stays on our public record, win or lose.