On March 16, 2025, the Los Angeles Clippers (37-30) will host the Charlotte Hornets (17-49) at the Intuit Dome, Los Angeles, for what promises to be an exciting NBA showdown. The game is set to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted live on NBA League Pass. The Clippers are heavily favored, with betting lines placing them as 13-point favorites over the Hornets.
The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off two solid victories, including their recent triumph against the Atlanta Hawks, where they dominated the game with both Kawhi Leonard and James Harden contributing 25 points each. This victory exemplified the Clippers' current form, as they have won five of their last six games. Harden remarked on the team’s performance, stating, "Defensively, we were really good. Offensively, we’re still improving, and once fully healthy, we can turn the corner." With their strong lineup starting to gel, the Clippers are viewing this game as another opportunity to solidify their playoff positioning.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets are also riding high after their remarkable 145-134 win over the San Antonio Spurs. This match set numerous franchise records, including 26 three-pointers made, with LaMelo Ball leading the charge, scoring 27 points and assisting 15 times, including hitting 7 of those threes. Acknowledging the victory, Ball stated, "It was fun to just play good basketball and get the win... We’re trying to put together a full 48 minutes." Charlotte has shown resilience, winning three of their last four games, indicating they are not giving up on this season.
Historically, the matchup favors the Clippers, who hold a 10-game winning streak against the Hornets, with their last victory coming earlier this season at 112-104. Charlotte's last win against Los Angeles dates back to 2017, making this game particularly significant for the Hornets as they look to break the slump.
From a betting perspective, the Clippers are set as -800 favorites on the moneyline, whereas the Hornets’ odds stand at +550 for the upset. The over/under for this game is positioned at 223.5 total points, reflecting the high-scoring potential of both offenses, especially with the recent offensive outburst from Charlotte.
Given the Clippers’ defensive prowess, which ranks fifth in the league with 108.7 points allowed per game, they are expected to put the brakes on the Hornets’ high-scoring ambitions. The Clippers, boasting solid perimeter defense, have allowed opponents just 34% shooting from the three-point range over their last five games.
While LaMelo Ball's outstanding performance against the Spurs is noteworthy, expectations for him to replicate those numbers against the Clippers may be tempered. He typically averages 34% shooting from beyond the arc—but dips to 32% when playing away from home. Historically, he has cleared the four three-point hurdle away from home just nine times out of 22 games this season, which makes for cautious betting on his three-point shooting ability tonight.
There are additional dynamics to watch, such as the potential return of Norman Powell for the Clippers, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury. His presence could bolster the Clippers’ depth significantly if he plays, especially considering his scoring ability when healthy.
Looking at their recent performances, the Clippers have struggled somewhat at home, going 3-7 against the spread (ATS) over their last ten games. Conversely, Charlotte has shown some promise as underdogs, covering the spread successfully more times than not recently. They’re 5-5 ATS as the away team, which adds another layer of intrigue to the matchup.
This game will feature two teams approaching from different angles; the Clippers are focusing on locking down their defensive game plan and building momentum for the playoffs, whereas the Hornets are eager to capitalize on their recent success and prove they can contend with higher-ranked teams.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if Charlotte can continue its impressive shooting from the previous game or if the Clippers' tough defense will stifle their efforts. The stakes are high, and both teams have something to prove as tip-off approaches.
For bettors, the lean seems to favor the Clippers to cover the spread of -13, but the dynamic nature of the NBA can always yield unexpected results. The excitement leading up to this game is palpable, and as both teams take the court, all eyes will be focused on how the action plays out.
With momentum on their side, the Clippers will strive for yet another victory against a team they have historically dominated, making this Sunday night encounter not just another game, but one filled with intensity and the drive to secure their playoff ambitions.