Hornets vs. Pelicans prediction and odds for NBA Summer League (Trust New Orleans)

Dyson Daniels, Jordan Hawkins and the New Orleans Pelicans are looking to move to 3-1 in the Las Vegas Summer league on Thursday night when they take on the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets have the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft in Brandon Miller, yet they are winless so far in the Las Vegas Summer League.

New Orleans lost its opener to the Minnesota Timberwolves, but it knocked off the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns in its last two games. That’s led to the team being favored tonight against a Charlotte team that has seen some inconsistent guard play all summer.

Let’s dive into the odds and my best bet for this contest:

Hornets vs. Pelicans odds, spread and total

Spread

• Hornets +3 (-110)
• Pelicans -3 (-110)

Moneyline

• Hornets: +140
• Pelicans: -165

Total

• 177.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Odds are available via DraftKings Sportsbook. 

Hornets vs. Pelicans prediction and pick

I can’t bring myself to bet on the Hornets even after Nick Smith Jr. scored 33 points in a four-point loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in the team’s last game.

Charlotte has three games this summer (including the California Classic) where it has failed to break 80 points, a major concern when it takes on the Pelicans tonight.

The Hornets have been an inefficient offense, and now it has to keep up with a New Orleans team that has made at least nine shots from beyond the arc in back-to-back games.

The Pelicans have some solid talent – led by Hawkins and Daniels – and they’ve played some balanced basketball as well with five players scoring in double figures in the win over the Suns.

Until Charlotte proves it can win a game, it is a must fade this summer.

Pick: Pelicans -3 (-110)

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Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.