Game Details
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 PM PST
Venue: Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California
Broadcast: The game will be available on national and local NBA broadcasts, with live coverage on platforms like ESPN and NBA League Pass.
The Los Angeles Clippers (15-23) host the Charlotte Hornets (14-25) in a cross-conference matchup at the Intuit Dome. Both teams are hovering in the lower tiers of their respective conferences—the Clippers sit 11th in the Western Conference, while the Hornets are 12th in the Eastern Conference. This game marks the second meeting between the two this season, with the Clippers looking to extend their dominance in the series. Charlotte enters on a three-game road winning streak and aims to push it to four, but they’ll face a Clippers squad that’s been resurgent lately, winning 9 of their past 11 games overall. The Hornets have shown defensive improvements, holding four of their last five opponents under 100 points, while the Clippers have emphasized stout defense in their recent surge, holding opponents below 100 points four times in their past 11 contests. Key storylines include the return of Hornets forward Grant Williams from a major knee injury and the Clippers’ ability to rally late, as evidenced by their recent comeback against the Pistons.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams have gone 3-2 in their last five games, but the broader trends show momentum on the Clippers’ side. Charlotte has secured half of their 14 wins since December 14, 2025, with standout offensive outbursts like their 150-point explosion against the Jazz. The Clippers, meanwhile, have turned things around with a 9-2 run in their past 11, fueled by better defense and clutch performances.
| Team | Date | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Hornets | Jan 10, 2026 | @ Utah Jazz | Win | 150-95 |
| Hornets | Jan 8, 2026 | vs Indiana Pacers | Loss | 114-112 |
| Hornets | Jan 7, 2026 | vs Toronto Raptors | Loss | 97-96 |
| Hornets | Jan 5, 2026 | @ Oklahoma City Thunder | Win | 124-97 |
| Hornets | Jan 3, 2026 | @ Chicago Bulls | Win | 112-99 |
| Clippers | Jan 10, 2026 | @ Detroit Pistons | Win | 98-92 |
| Clippers | Jan 9, 2026 | @ Brooklyn Nets | Win | 121-105 |
| Clippers | Jan 7, 2026 | @ New York Knicks | Loss | 123-111 |
| Clippers | Jan 5, 2026 | vs Golden State Warriors | Win | 103-102 |
| Clippers | Jan 3, 2026 | vs Boston Celtics | Loss | 146-115 |
Injury Report
Injuries could play a significant role, particularly with several game-time decisions on both sides. The Hornets recently welcomed back Grant Williams from a torn ACL and meniscus (he last played in November 2025), contributing 9 points and 8 rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench in their win over Utah. For the Clippers, no new major injuries were reported beyond the listed absences, but Kawhi Leonard’s ankle is worth monitoring given his heavy workload in their recent surge.
Charlotte Hornets:
Pat Connaughton (G): Game-Time Decision (Illness) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026
Collin Sexton (G): Game-Time Decision (Hamstring) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026
Miles Bridges (F): Game-Time Decision (Knee) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026
Mason Plumlee (C): Out (Groin) – Estimated Return: Feb 11, 2026
Grant Williams (F): Available (Returned from ACL/meniscus injury)
Los Angeles Clippers:
Kawhi Leonard (F): Game-Time Decision (Ankle) – Estimated Return: Jan 12, 2026
Bogdan Bogdanovic (G): Out (Hamstring) – Estimated Return: Jan 14, 2026
Derrick Jones Jr. (F): Out (Knee) – Estimated Return: Feb 19, 2026
Bradley Beal (G): Out for Season (Hip) – Estimated Return: Oct 1, 2026
Key Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles between star talent and role players. The Clippers’ resurgence has been driven by Kawhi Leonard (averaging 32.5 points and 7.5 rebounds over their 9-2 run, up from season averages of 27.8 points and 6.4 rebounds) and James Harden, while the Hornets counter with a young, explosive core led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Expect the Hornets to emphasize defensive communication against the Clippers’ pick-and-roll threats.
LaMelo Ball (Hornets PG) vs. James Harden (Clippers PG): Ball’s creativity (17 points, 5/11 from three in the Jazz win) meets Harden’s veteran savvy. Harden torched Charlotte for a franchise-record 55 points in their earlier meeting this season.
Miles Bridges (Hornets F) vs. Kawhi Leonard (Clippers F): Bridges (GTD with knee issue) brings athleticism, but Leonard’s two-way dominance (26 points in the Pistons win) could overwhelm if his ankle holds up.
Brandon Miller (Hornets G/F) vs. Kris Dunn (Clippers SG): Miller’s scoring (18 points vs. Jazz) against Dunn’s defensive tenacity.
Tre Mann (Hornets G) vs. John Collins (Clippers PF): Mann’s bench spark (20 points, all in the fourth vs. Jazz) could exploit mismatches, while Collins (25 points vs. Pistons) provides rim protection and scoring inside.
Collin Sexton (Hornets G, GTD) vs. Ivica Zubac (Clippers C): Sexton’s speed (15 points off bench vs. Jazz) vs. Zubac’s size in the paint.
Series History
The Clippers have owned this matchup, winning 15 straight games against the Hornets dating back to December 31, 2017. Overall, Los Angeles holds a 44-25 edge in 69 regular-season meetings. In their first matchup this season on November 22, 2025, the Clippers won 131-116 on the road, highlighted by Harden’s 55-point explosion. Charlotte’s last win over the Clippers came in 2017, and they’ve struggled to contain L.A.’s stars in recent years.
Betting Trends
The Clippers opened as 5.5-point favorites but the line has moved to 4.5, reflecting some respect for Charlotte’s road streak. The over/under has settled around 223.5-224.5, down slightly from the open. Charlotte has been strong against the spread (ATS) as underdogs of 5.5+ points (12-7 this season), while the Clippers are 9-2 straight up in their recent hot streak but have allowed high point totals in losses (e.g., 146 to Boston). Both teams trend toward the under in recent games, with the Hornets holding opponents low and the Clippers emphasizing defense. Consensus picks lean toward the Clippers to win and cover, but the total going over.
Game Odds
Charlotte Hornets 223.5
Los Angeles Clippers – 4.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, January 11, 2026
