NBA, Sports

Clippers vs. Hornets: Both Teams Searching for a Much-Needed Turnaround

Posted on by Jackson
LA Clippers vs Charlotte Hornets Prediction 1
22
Nov

The Los Angeles Clippers and Charlotte Hornets enter Saturday’s matchup with one shared objective: stop the skid. Both teams hold 4–11 records, both are on losing streaks, and both are struggling to find consistency on defense. As they meet in Charlotte, the game represents far more than a single win — it’s a chance to shift momentum before their seasons slip further off track.

Clippers: Sliding Through a Tough Road Trip

Los Angeles has secured only one win in November and is coming off a 129–101 loss to the Orlando Magic — a performance head coach Tyronn Lue called “a defensive setback.”

Over their last 10 games, the Clippers have gone:

  • 1–9 record

  • Allowing 119.7 points per game

  • Letting opponents shoot 45.6% from the field

  • Allowing 129+ points three times this season

Lue pointed specifically to defensive breakdowns:

“It starts with our guards getting into the ball. When that breaks down, everything breaks down.”

James Harden carrying the load

Despite the struggles, James Harden has been in strong form, leading the Clippers in scoring for the past six games:

  • 26.5 PPG

  • 6.2 RPG

  • 8.6 APG

Charlotte Hornets x Los Angeles Clippers – Palpites NBA

Only Nikola Jokic has more games with at least 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists this season.

Ivica Zubac dominating the glass

Zubac has been one of the most active rebounders in the league:

  • 14.0 PPG & 19.0 RPG over his last 10

  • 127 rebounds in November — the most in the NBA entering the weekend

Injury concerns

The Clippers continue to navigate a long injury list:

  • Kawhi Leonard: unlikely to return during this road trip

  • Bradley Beal: out for the season

  • Several other players remain day-to-day

The lack of continuity has only magnified their defensive and execution issues.

Pronóstico Charlotte Hornets vs Los Angeles Clippers – NBA 22/11/2025

Charlotte Hornets vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction - NBA 11/22/2025

Hornets: Defensive Issues, Rookie Bright Spots

Charlotte enters the matchup on a four-game losing streak and continues to struggle defensively:

  • Allowed 120+ points in eight of 15 games

  • Opponents shooting 50.1% against them

Still, the Hornets’ rookies have provided optimism.

Kon Knueppel setting NBA history

Sharpshooting rookie Kon Knueppel has made himself impossible to overlook. He became:

  • The first NBA player ever to hit 50 three-pointers within the first 15 games of a career

His efficiency has stood out:

  • 18.3 PPG

  • 47.3% FG

  • 40.3% from deep

Head coach Charles Lee praised his maturity:

“He’s humble enough to understand that it’s him, and it’s his teammates helping put him in good spots.”

Knueppel has led the Hornets in scoring in each of the last two games.

Ryan Kalkbrenner showing promise

Rookie center Ryan Kalkbrenner continues to provide steady interior play as he adjusts to the NBA game — a bright spot for a team in transition.

Injuries continue to pile up

The Hornets, like the Clippers, are battling injuries:

  • Tre Mann: day-to-day

  • Grant Williams: day-to-day

  • Brandon Miller: out

  • Josh Green: day-to-day

  • Liam McNeeley: day-to-day

The constantly shifting lineup has disrupted rhythm on both ends of the floor.

Recent Form: Both Teams Struggling

Hornets – Last 10 Games

  • 2–8

  • 112.9 PPG

  • 118.1 PPG allowed

  • 43.7% shooting

Clippers – Last 10 Games

  • 1–9

  • 110.9 PPG

  • 119.7 PPG allowed

  • 45.6% shooting

Defensively, both teams have major issues. Offensively, the Hornets score slightly more, while the Clippers shoot slightly better.

HORNETS at CLIPPERS | FULL GAME HIGHLIGHTS | March 16, 2025

Matchup History: Clippers’ Dominance

While both teams are struggling now, the matchup history heavily favors Los Angeles:

  • 14 straight wins vs. the Hornets — the longest active streak against a single opponent in the NBA

  • Tied for the longest streak in Clippers history

In their most recent meeting (March 2025):

  • Clippers won 123–88

  • Harden posted 31 pts, 10 reb, 7 ast

  • Zubac added 17 pts, 14 reb, 8 ast

It was the first time since 1984 that the Clippers had two players record at least 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists in the same game.

5 Key Factors to Watch

1. Which team can defend better?

Both teams allow over 117 points per game.
Whoever limits breakdowns first has the edge.

2. Star impact

  • Clippers rely heavily on James Harden

  • Hornets lean on Miles Bridges and rookie Knueppel

A hot performance from any of these players could decide the game.

3. Rebounding battle

With Zubac in elite form, Charlotte must find ways to keep him off the glass.

4. Turnovers

Charlotte averages 15.6 turnovers and is just 2–4 when winning the turnover battle.
A sloppy game favors the Clippers’ transition attack.

5. Injury depth

Both squads are thin — whichever bench steps up will make a difference.Conclusion: A Pivotal Game for Two Teams Searching for Answers

Saturday’s matchup between the Clippers and Hornets is more than just another game on the schedule.
For Los Angeles, it’s a chance to salvage a brutal road trip and regain defensive focus.
For Charlotte, it’s an opportunity for their young core to steady the ship and prove they can compete despite injuries.

With the Clippers’ 14-game winning streak in the series, they enter with a historical advantage — but with both teams struggling, this contest is far more unpredictable than the record books suggest.

Related Clippers & Hornets Fan Merch You May Like

If you’re gearing up for the Clippers vs. Hornets matchup or looking to expand your NBA fan collection, here are a few team-themed items worth checking out:

LA Clipper 1

These curated items make great additions to any NBA fan’s collection and are perfect as seasonal gifts or display pieces.

Jackson

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