Quick Read
- The Charlotte Hornets enter Monday’s game on a five-game winning streak.
- The game against the New Orleans Pelicans was rescheduled to a 3 p.m. ET tip-off due to inclement weather.
- New Orleans recently overhauled its starting lineup, featuring a guard-less rotation under coach James Borrego.
- Both teams are largely healthy, with key absences being Dejounte Murray (Pelicans) and Mason Plumlee (Hornets).
- Charlotte has been noted as the NBA’s “hottest team” in 2026, leading in net rating and offensive efficiency.
CHARLOTTE (Azat TV) – The Charlotte Hornets will aim to extend their impressive five-game winning streak and solidify their playoff trajectory when they host the New Orleans Pelicans in an early matinee on Monday, February 2, 2026. The matchup, set for 3 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center, was notably rescheduled four hours earlier due to a winter storm impacting the area, adding an unusual dynamic to a game that pits one of the league’s hottest teams against a revamped opponent seeking consistency.
The Hornets enter the contest with a 22-28 record, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference standings, but their recent performance tells a different story. Charlotte has emerged as the NBA’s ‘hottest team’ in 2026, leading the league in net rating with an impressive 12.0 during this period. Their offensive rating has been the best, and their defensive rating the third-best in recent weeks, according to Sports Illustrated. This surge has been largely fueled by the dynamic play of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and star rookie Kon Knueppel, who have collectively forged one of the league’s most potent offenses.
Hornets Riding High on Recent Performance
The Charlotte Hornets’ recent dominance marks a significant turnaround from earlier in the season. Their five-game winning streak has propelled them into the conversation for a potential playoff berth, a notable achievement given their 11th-place standing in the Eastern Conference. The team’s improved performance is reflected in their strong showings against the spread, boasting a 29-21 record, indicating they frequently exceed expectations. Forward Brandon Miller is projected to be a key offensive force in Monday’s game, with the SportsLine Projection Model anticipating him to lead Charlotte in scoring with 20.6 points.
Despite their strong form, the Hornets will be without veteran backup center Mason Plumlee due to injury. Josh Green is listed as probable with a thumb sprain, while young prospects Tidjane Salaun and Liam McNeeley are on G League assignment and will not participate. Even with these minor absences, Charlotte’s core lineup remains largely intact, ready to face the challenge posed by the Pelicans.
Pelicans Seek Momentum with New Lineup
The New Orleans Pelicans, currently 14th in the Western Conference with a 13-38 record, arrive in Charlotte having won three of their last five games. This modest improvement follows significant rotation changes implemented by head coach James Borrego, who previously coached the Hornets between 2018 and 2022. Borrego has notably benched Jordan Poole and dynamic rookie Jeremiah Fears, opting for a guard-less starting lineup featuring Herb Jones, Trey Murphy, Saddiq Bey, Zion Williamson, and Derik Queen.
This strategic shift appears to be yielding ‘decent results,’ as noted by Sports Illustrated. The return of Herb Jones has been particularly impactful for New Orleans; the team holds a 10-18 record with him available, compared to an alarming 3-20 without him. Zion Williamson is expected to lead the Pelicans’ scoring efforts, with the SportsLine Projection Model projecting 20.1 points for the forward. The Pelicans’ ability to defend against Charlotte’s high-octane offense, particularly the wing trio of Bey, Murphy, and Jones, will be crucial in determining the outcome of this rare early tip-off.
Injury Updates and Game Outlook
Both teams enter Monday’s contest relatively healthy. For the Pelicans, the only confirmed injury absence is Dejounte Murray, who continues to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon and has yet to make his season debut. The Hornets’ injury report lists Mason Plumlee as out, with Josh Green probable. The earlier tip-off time, a direct consequence of the winter storm, means both teams will need to adjust their pre-game routines for the unexpected afternoon start.
The Pelicans defeated the Hornets in their earlier season matchup, but Charlotte’s current form suggests a far more formidable opponent. The Hornets are favored by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 230.5 points, according to CBS Sports. The SportsLine Projection Model predicts a high-scoring affair, with 11 players expected to reach double figures and the total points projected to exceed 239, hitting the Over 60% of the time.
This Monday afternoon clash represents a critical juncture for both franchises; for the Hornets, it’s an opportunity to validate their recent surge and solidify their surprising playoff push, while for the Pelicans, it’s a significant test of their new lineup’s efficacy against a top-performing opponent.