Clippers vs. Hornets, Picks and Predictions, Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
The Los Angeles Clippers (4-11) and the Charlotte Hornets (4-11) will tip off in a battle of two teams desperate for a win on Saturday afternoon in this Clippers vs. Hornets prediction. This is their first of two matchups this season. Los Angeles just lost in Orlando 129-101, going down as 6.5-point road dogs. Charlotte just lost on the road in Indiana 127-118, falling as 1.5-point road favorites. Tipoff is set for 1:00 EST. Keep reading to see our Clippers vs. Hornets prediction, and check out all of our winning NBA Picks!
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Los Angeles Drops Nine of Ten
There have been some surprises this season in the NBA, but one of the biggest shocking scenarios has been the struggles of the Los Angeles Clippers, who figured to battle for a spot in the Western Conference Playoffs this year. The Clippers have lost nine of their last ten, and have battled injuries along the way as they try to figure out their lineups on a day by day stretch. Los Angeles has lost three in a row coming into this game. In their last outing, James Harden had 31 points, but it was not enough in the loss to Orlando.
Harden has been their top player this season, but no longer has the firepower to lead a team to the postseason on his own back as he did in his days in Houston. He is still putting up strong numbers this year, as he leads the team with 26.5 PPG and 8.6 APG as a 36-year-old future Hall of Famer. Harden has scored 28 or more in each of his last four games. Kawhi Leonard will miss this game with an ankle injury, as he has only played in six of the team's games this season. This leaves Ivica Zubac as their next top scoring threat, putting up solid numbers with 15.9 PPG and 11.3 RPG on the inside.
Los Angeles is ranked 19th in offensive efficiency and 10th in defensive efficiency according to dunksandthrees.com. The Clippers play a slow brand of basketball, ranking 29th in the league in pace of play.
Injury Report for Clippers:
- Out: Kawhi Leonard, Bradley Beal, Derrick Jones Jr.
Hornets Lose Four Straight
The Charlotte Hornets have been trying to build young talent for years, but the franchise has not seen the necessary growth and is still on the outside looking in of playoff contention. It is still far too early in the season to think about the playoffs, but the rumors have already started that LaMelo Ball would be interested in a trade out of town. Charlotte will need to assess their options as they moves forward. In their last game, the Hornets got 28 points from rookie Kon Knueppel in their loss to the Pacers.
Knueppel is still just 20 years old, but has been productive to start his career with 18.3 PPG and 6.1 RPG. The outside shooter from Duke has improved his midrange game and has scored 24 or more in three of his last four games as he continues to be a scoring presence for the Hornets. Miles Bridges is still a physical force on the wing for the Hornets. He is leading the team with 22.3 PPG while attacking the basket as an athletic 6'7 forward. LaMelo Ball missed some games, but will be active here with his 21.6 PPG and 9.6 APG.
Charlotte is ranked 22nd overall in offensive efficiency and 26th in defensive efficiency. They play faster than the Clippers, ranking 20th in the league in possessions per game.
Injury Report for Hornets
- Out: Grant Williams
- Questionable: Sion James, Tre Mann
Clippers vs. Hornets Picks and Predictions
Spread pick for Clippers vs. Hornets
- Hornets +1.5 (5 units)
Neither team has started the season as they had hoped this year, but the Hornets are younger and healthier, which will make the difference in this game. The Clippers have been riding and dying with the game of James Harden, but they cannot be expected to rely on the 36-year-old to generate all their offense in winning fashion anymore. Kawhi has been out, and they dealt away Norman Powell, who fixed most of their scoring problems last season. Charlotte has Ball and Bridges healthy, and Knueppel has provided a jolt of energy to a franchise in need of good news. The Hornets will put up a strong showing here.
Take the Hornets plus the points.
Over/Under Pick for Clippers vs. Hornets
- Under 228.5 (4 units)
These two teams are each in the bottom third of the league in pace of play and will battle in a slow-paced game here. This is not an NBA Cup game, so there is no need to run up the score or fight for point differential. Los Angeles is 29th in the league in pace of play. James Harden used to play slowly in his prime, but now plays even slower as he is in his late 30s. Neither team has elite offensive efficiency, and the Hornets will be battling to keep this one close to get a win over a Western Conference opponent. Expect a low-scoring game here.
Take the under.
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