Pelicans Face Hornets in Crucial Matchup as Trade Deadline Looms

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The New Orleans Pelicans and Charlotte Hornets will clash Saturday evening at the Spectrum Center, with both teams seeking redemption after Friday night losses. The Pelicans, coming off a defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies that snapped their four-game winning streak, will face a struggling Hornets team near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.

New Orleans has dominated the recent series, winning the last four matchups against Charlotte since the 2022 season. The Pelicans played Friday without star forward Zion Williamson, who was sidelined with a non-COVID-related illness. Williamson, the former No. 1 overall pick, has not played since January 17 against the Utah Jazz. However, he is not listed on the injury report for Saturday’s game, signaling his return to the court.

The Pelicans will be without key players Brandon Ingram (ankle) and Herb Jones (shoulder), while Keion Brooks Jr. remains out due to a G League assignment. On the Hornets’ side, several players who missed Friday’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers are expected to return, including LaMelo Ball (wrist), Miles Bridges (back spasms), and Seth Curry (ankle). However, Trey Mann (disc), Cody Martin (core), Brandon Miller (wrist), and Grant Williams (knee) will remain sidelined.

Both teams are already out of playoff contention, even before the NBA All-Star break. With the trade deadline less than two weeks away, the Pelicans are rumored to be exploring moves to alleviate financial pressures. Star players like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum could be on the trading block as the team looks to retool for the future.

Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. CST at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte.