Charlotte Hornets vs Portland Trail Blazers Prediction & Picks - NBA

Prediction published on 2/22/25, 3:25 AM  by Erik Gibbs | Modified on 2/22/25 at 3:30 AM in NBA Picks

The Charlotte Hornets and Portland Trail Blazers will meet at Moda Center in a cross-conference matchup, concluding their two-game season series. In their previous encounter on January 24, the Trail Blazers secured a 102-97 victory over the Hornets. Both teams have struggled throughout the season and are currently outside the playoff picture, making this game an opportunity for each squad to gain some momentum.

The Hornets enter this contest having lost four of their last five games. They managed to snap a three-game losing streak with an upset victory over the Los Angeles Lakers but followed that up with a 129-115 defeat against the Denver Nuggets. In that game, Charlotte kept it close for three quarters before being outscored 30-19 in the final period.

Miles Bridges was the standout performer, delivering an impressive 36-point, 13-rebound, and seven-assist effort, while Josh Green contributed 19 points. However, the Hornets continue to deal with major injury concerns, with Brandon Miller, Tre Mann, Grant Williams, and Josh Okogie all sidelined. LaMelo Ball, who missed the Nuggets game due to an ankle issue, remains day-to-day.

Portland, meanwhile, is on a four-game losing streak after falling to the Lakers, 110-102, in their last outing. Despite the defeat, the Blazers put up a strong fight. Deni Avdija led the team with 28 points and five assists while shooting 9-of-14 from the field. Toumani Camara added 19 points, seven rebounds, and five steals, and Scoot Henderson chipped in with 12 points off the bench.