After a tough second-half collapse against Memphis on Friday, the New Orleans Pelicans head to Charlotte, for the second game of their three-game road trip against the lowly Hornets.
The Pelicans, currently sitting at 4-17 on the road, eagerly await news on Zion Williamson’s status. Williamson sat out the last two games due to illness, but his return would provide a major boost if cleared. Zion grew up less than 80 miles from Charlotte and has averaged 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in four career games against the Hornets.
Meanwhile, CJ McCollum is on the brink of making Pelicans history. McCollum needs just six more three-pointers to surpass Jrue Holiday (628) as the franchise’s all-time leader in made threes. McCollum has been at his best in January, averaging 24.0 points this month while shooting 42.5% from deep.
Dejounte Murray (right elbow bursitis) and Yves Missi (illness) both played in Friday’s game, but their availability for Saturday is up in the air. Murray had 26 points against Memphis, but head coach Willie Green may look to manage his minutes in the second game of a back-to-back. Rookie Jordan Hawkins has stepped provided firepower off the bench, contributing 20 points against Memphis and averaging 15.3 points over his last four games.
The Hornets are coming off a 102-97 loss to Portland on Friday and may be without LaMelo Ball (sprained wrist) and Miles Bridges (back spasms), though both are listed as probable. Ball, averaging 29 points per game, remains the focal point of the Hornets’ offense.
Most Recent Starting Lineups
| Charlotte Hornets | New Orleans Pelicans |
| G – Vasilije Micic | G – Dejounte Murray |
| G – Nick Smith Jr. | G – CJ McCollum |
| F – Cody Martin | F – Trey Murphy |
| F – Josh Green | F – Jeremiah Robinson-Earl |
| C – Mark Williams | C – Yves Missi |
Injuries
Charlotte Hornets: LaMelo Ball (wrist), Miles Bridges (back), Seth Curry (ankle), and Tre Mann (back), are PROBABLE. Brandon Miller (right wrist surgery) and Grant Williams (ACL) are OUT.
New Orleans Pelicans: Dejounte Murray (right elbow bursitis, right index finger sprain) is QUESTIONABLE. Brandon Ingram (left ankle sprain) and Herb Jones (right shoulder strain) are OUT.
Who: New Orleans Pelicans (12-33) vs Charlotte Hornets (11-30)
Season Series:
- Jan. 25: Pelicans at Hornets
- Mar. 30: Pelicans vs Hornets
Series History: The New Orleans Pelicans are 27-12 all-time against the Charlotte Hornets and have won four straight against them.
Where: Spectrum Center
When: Jan. 25, 6:00 PM CST
Where to watch: Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network, Pelicans+
Where to listen: WWL Radio 870 AM/105.3 FM
For more content, visit HITP Sports on YouTube or HITP Sports online.
READ MORE
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