Hornets vs Clippers NBA Pick: Hot LA Takes on Woeful Charlotte (Mar 16)

• The Los Angeles Clippers (37-30, 8th in the West) host the Charlotte Hornets (17-49, 14th in the East)
• LA is getting hot and healthy at the right time having won 5 of 6 with Kawhi Leonard getting his legs under him after a long injury-related layoff
• Charlotte’s record speaks for itself and they are looking toward the offseason and the NBA draft

Charlotte Has Won 3 of 4 Despite Their Awful Record

The Hornets have undoubtedly had a terrible season. They have lost key components Tre Mann, Brandon Miller, Josh Okogie, and Grant Williams for the season. LaMelo Ball is largely on his own with some help from Miles Bridges and Mark Williams.

However, they have won three of four with wins over the Nets, Heat, and Spurs. In the 145-134 shootout victory over San Antonio, Ball had 27 points and 15 assists. Bridges added 21 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds. Williams pulled down 10 boards and poured in 14. Josh Green had 20. Nick Smith scored 26.

Although the Hornets put up 145 points in San Antonio, they are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league averaging 106 per game. Defensively, they are in the middle of the pack at just over 113 PPG. They are in the top half of the league in 3-pointers per game.

LA is Shoring Up Its Postseason Hopes

The Lakers’ acquisition of Luka Dončić, their subsequent hot streak, and their sudden leap to championship favorite have again put the city’s little brother, the Clippers, in the shadows. Still, the other LA team in the NBA has star power of its own with James Harden and Kawahi Leonard. They have won five of six to establish their position in the top eight teams in the West. They could conceivably rise to the fourth spot.

In their last game in Atlanta, LA won in a blowout, 121-98.

Harden scored 25, had 8 rebounds, and 7 assists. Leonard also scored 25 and had 5 steals. Nicolas Batum was 3 of 5 from 3-point range and had 11 points overall.

LA’s scoring has increased during their recent string of good play. Their defense has remained the same and they are in the top five in the league in fewest points allowed per game.

Hornets vs Clippers Pick: LA Will Continue Its Hot Streak and Win Easily

The Hornets have shown some fight recently, but they are going on the road against a team that is getting its act together and is right behind the teams in front of them. LA has a chance to rise in the standings. With their roster, they pose a threat to make an unexpected run. They will beat Charlotte easily.