Lonzo vs LaMelo Ball: New Orleans Pelicans vs Charlotte Hornets Starting Lineup, Injury Report & Predictions

The contest that a certain you-know-who basketball father might have been eagerly waiting for is here. Though there are other more valuable stars on either team, a certain upcoming match is billed as the battle of the Ball brothers. Lonzo Ball’s New Orleans Pelicans face off against LaMelo Ball’s Charlotte Hornets.

New Orleans Pelicans – Preview

When the Pelicans landed a generational talent in Zion Williamson, the minimum expectations were for them to be a Playoff team if not a Title contender straight away. They lie 5th in the Western Conference table after getting close last year.

Though Zion has not looked like his former self, after losing close to 25 pounds to ease the pressure on his knees, he has overcome his injury problems. But this has come at the cost of some explosiveness, and his numbers are down from his rookie season.

Aside from that, the Pelicans are looking like a solid unit even after losing Jrue Holiday. This has given more ball-handling duties to Lonzo. Steve Adams and Eric Bledsoe have also been important acquisitions.

Predicted 5 for the New Orleans Pelicans

Guard – Lonzo Ball

Guard – Eric Bledsoe

Center – Steve Adams

Forward – Brandon Ingram

Forward – Zion Williamson

Charlotte Hornets – Preview

Exciting, adventurous, unpredictable, and inconsistent; these are some of the adjectives that best describe the Hornets’ season till now. They also had a dramatic off-season where they handed Gordon Hayward a questionably large contract and also drafted LaMelo with their 3rd pick.

While they have got a drubbing at the hands of the Cavaliers and the 76ers, they won imperiously against the Hawks, Nets, and the Mavericks. Hayward is beginning to find some form and paying the Hornets some of that $120 million back.

Devonte’ Graham and his shooting remain a concern. He is a woeful 26% from the field. Maybe it’s time to bring LaMelo Ball into the starting lineup.

Predicted 5 for the Charlotte Hornets

Guard – LaMelo Ball

Guard – Terry Rozier

Center – Bismack Biyombo

Forward – PJ Washington

Forward – Gordon Hayward

Predictions for Pelicans vs Hornets

Hayward caught fire against the Hawks, and in the process became the first Hornet since Kemba Walker to score 44 points in a game.

Although there is much hype about the eldest Ball boy taking on the youngest, LaMelo can take the match by the scruff of the neck. It is hard to predict the winner of this match. Hopefully, it just lives up to its billing and produces a spicy affair.