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Pelicans Heavily Favored vs. Hornets

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  Published in House and Home on Friday, February 20th 2026 at 17:49 GMT by Sports Illustrated
      Locales: Louisiana, North Carolina, UNITED STATES

February 20, 2026

By James Boyd, SI.com

The New Orleans Pelicans are widely expected to continue their strong form tonight as they travel to face the Charlotte Hornets. While the Hornets have shown flashes of improvement, most analysts predict a Pelicans victory, citing New Orleans' consistent performance and star power. The game, slated for Friday night in Charlotte, features a Pelicans team currently holding a record of 28-22 against a Hornets squad at 23-27.

Our panel of NBA writers overwhelmingly favors the Pelicans, although one analyst believes the Hornets could spring an upset.

Team Dynamics: A Closer Look

The Pelicans have been buoyed by the stellar play of Brandon Ingram, who is enjoying a career year. Ingram's scoring prowess and all-around game have made him the focal point of the Pelicans' offense. Analysts point to Ingram's potential for a significant performance as a key factor in the Pelicans' anticipated success. The Pelicans' success isn't solely reliant on Ingram, however. A strong supporting cast, including CJ McCollum and Zion Williamson (when healthy) provide consistent scoring threats and defensive versatility.

The Hornets, on the other hand, are a team in transition. While they haven't consistently challenged the top teams in the Eastern Conference, recent performances suggest they're gaining momentum. The Hornets' young core, led by LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges, have shown flashes of brilliance. Their success hinges on their ability to limit turnovers and improve their defensive consistency. However, a lack of consistent performance across the board has hampered their ability to string together wins, particularly against playoff-caliber teams.

Analyst Predictions & Breakdown

Rod Boone projects a 116-108 victory for the Pelicans, emphasizing their road resilience. Boone believes Ingram will be the difference-maker, dictating the pace and exploiting matchups. "The Pelicans are a tough out at home, and I think that holds true even on the road. Brandon Ingram is having a great season, and I think he will have a big night," Boone states.

I, James Boyd, also predict a Pelicans win, forecasting a 115-107 scoreline. While acknowledging the Hornets' recent improvement, I believe the Pelicans' overall experience and depth will prove decisive.

Chris Mannix echoes the sentiment, predicting a 114-106 victory for the Pelicans. Mannix believes the Pelicans possess too much firepower for the Hornets to contain, anticipating a second-half surge that will secure the win. He highlights the Pelicans' ability to adjust and exploit defensive weaknesses as a key advantage.

Sheridan Jones offers a dissenting opinion, predicting a narrow 112-110 upset victory for the Hornets. Jones believes Charlotte's recent improved play and home-court advantage could be enough to overcome the Pelicans. "The Hornets have been playing better lately, and I think they can pull off the upset," Jones argues.

Mike Chiari rounds out the predictions with a decisive 118-109 forecast for the Pelicans, anticipating a double-digit victory. Chiari believes the Pelicans' sheer talent will overwhelm the Hornets, hindering their ability to compete effectively. He suggests a focus on containing LaMelo Ball will be crucial for the Pelicans' defensive strategy.

Looking Ahead: Playoff Implications

For the Pelicans, a win tonight solidifies their position in the Western Conference playoff picture. They are currently battling for a top-six seed, which would guarantee home-court advantage in the first round. Maintaining momentum down the stretch is crucial for their postseason aspirations.

The Hornets, meanwhile, are fighting for relevance. While a playoff berth seems increasingly unlikely, continuing to develop their young players and build a competitive culture is paramount. An upset victory over the Pelicans would provide a significant morale boost and send a message to the rest of the league.

The game promises to be an exciting clash of styles, with the Pelicans' experience and star power pitted against the Hornets' youthful energy and determination. The key matchup to watch will undoubtedly be Brandon Ingram versus LaMelo Ball, as their individual performances could significantly influence the outcome of the game.