NBA February 2, 2026

The Hornets are red hot right now, winners of six straight games, and they get a Pelicans team in complete disarray. Charlotte at 22-28 has finally found some rhythm under head coach Steve Clifford, with LaMelo Ball playing at an All-Star level and the supporting cast stepping up in key moments. The Hornets are at home where they've been much improved, and they're heavily favored in this spot.

New Orleans at 13-38 has been one of the league's biggest disappointments. Injuries have decimated this roster, and the Pelicans just don't have the personnel to compete with most NBA teams right now. They've lost back-to-back road games, and their 2.7 points per game road offensive rating suggests they'll struggle to keep pace with Charlotte's attack.

The 234.5 total is on the higher side, but both teams can score when clicking. The Hornets are 16-11-0 at home ATS, making them one of the better home teams in the East against the spread. New Orleans is 16-11-0 ATS at home but just .500 on the road. This feels like a game where Charlotte can control the pace and cover comfortably.

The Rockets at 30-17 have emerged as a legitimate Western Conference contender this season, and much of that success has been built on their defensive prowess. Houston ranks in the top 5 in defensive rating, and Kevin Durant's arrival from the Rockets has given them an elite scoring option they were missing. Ime Udoka has this team playing disciplined, connected basketball on both ends of the floor.

The Pacers at 13-36 are in the midst of a lost season. Tyrese Haliburton's Achilles injury from the 2025 Finals continues to linger, and the Pacers have struggled to find consistent scoring without their All-Star point guard. Indiana has been competitive at times, but their defense has been a sieve, allowing over 118 points per game in their last ten contests.

Houston being a 5.5-point road favorite tells you everything you need to know about the gap between these teams. The Rockets' defensive identity should travel well, and their ability to control pace will be crucial against a Pacers team that wants to push tempo. The under looks attractive here, as Houston's defense could limit Indiana's scoring opportunities while playing a deliberate offensive style.

The nightcap features the 76ers visiting the Clippers at the state-of-the-art Intuit Dome. Los Angeles has been excellent at home, going 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on their home floor. The Clippers have found chemistry in their new arena, and James Harden has been orchestrating the offense brilliantly since his return to the organization.

Philadelphia continues to navigate without Joel Embiid, who remains out with his recurring knee issues. The 76ers have been plucky without their MVP candidate, but their offensive ceiling is significantly lower when Embiid isn't on the floor. Tyrese Maxey has been carrying the scoring load admirably, averaging over 28 points per game over the last month.

The 3.5-point spread feels about right for a Clippers team at home against a shorthanded Philly squad. The 76ers are 14-6 ATS in their last 20 games against the Clippers, an impressive trend that suggests value on the underdog. However, the Intuit Dome has been a fortress, and the Clippers' balanced attack should be enough to cover against a defensively challenged Philadelphia team playing on the second night of a back-to-back.