The Charlotte Hornets will host the New Orleans Pelicans at the Spectrum Center on Sunday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Pelicans-Hornets prediction and pick.

New Orleans is now fighting for their playoff lives as they sit two games back of the Spurs for the final play-in spot with five games to play. Charlotte has been sitting at around .500 recently, although it seems they are starting to get their swagger back with LaMelo's return to the court. Will the Pelicans find a way to remain within striking distance in an exciting inter-conference affair?

Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Pelicans-Hornets odds.

NBA Odds: Pelicans-Hornets Odds

New Orleans Pelicans +4 (-108)

Charlotte Hornets -4 (-112)

Over 222 Points (-115)

Under 222 Points (-105)

Why The Pelicans Could Cover The Spread

Lonzo Ball's Net Worth In 2021, Lozno Ball, Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans have been bit hard by the injury bug at the absolute worst time possible. The Pelicans will be without Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson for this crucial battle that could ultimately sink the ship if it goes the wrong way. Truthfully speaking, New Orleans will now have to turn to Lonzo Ball to lead his club to prosperity. This may not be a horrible thing as Ball has been absolutely electrifying lately.

Lonzo Ball is now the only Pelicans shooter that is hitting more than 35% of his outside shots, which is certainly alarming. Ball has surpassed 30 points in two of his team's last three games played. With a lack of shooting depth behind him, Lonzo will need to add another 30-point performance to the recent resume. Nickeil Alexander-Walker will likely return to the court and will have to be at his best as he's the only other true scoring option left on this club. The depth will be put on full display and will have to show up in a big way if they want to come away with a win.

Why The Hornets Could Cover The Spread

Hornets, LaMelo Ball

The Charlotte Hornets will have a clear answer to New Orleans' best player on the floor in this game. Lonzo Ball will have his hands full as he'll go up against his little brother, LaMelo Ball. LaMelo has looked like one of the best point guards in the league when he's been healthy during his rookie season. In Charlotte's most recent victory against the Magic, LaMelo went for 27 points, 6 assists, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals to lead the way. Ball is a magician on the court and will certainly put on a show as long as his floor-mates match his production.

Terry Rozier and Malik Monk will be the X-factors for the Hornets in this matchup. With several backcourt options out for Charlotte, these two will need to hit their outside shots at a high clip to open the floor for LaMelo. PJ Washington is also in a nice spot in this game because of the absence of Zion Williamson on the other end of the floor. Charlotte is in a nice spot as they're 14-2 in their last 16 games as the betting favorite.

Final Pelicans-Hornets Prediction & Pick

I honestly feel for the New Orleans Pelicans. A team with so much promise and potential that ultimately fell victim to bad luck down the stretch. They're now fighting for their lives without their best two players on the floor. The Pelicans have been solid against the spread lately, but I don't see them having enough firepower to get past the Hornets in Charlotte. The Hornets are going through their share of injuries as well, but their defensive prowess and ability to score in more ways than the Pels will be the difference-maker in this affair.

FINAL PICK: Charlotte Hornets -4 (-112)