Clippers vs. Hornets Prediction and Odds for Monday, December 5 (Back Clippers With Stars Potentially Returning)

Could the Los Angeles Clippers get Paul George and Kawhi Leonard back on Monday? 

Both players are traveling on the team’s road trip and were spotted at practice in uniform back on Dec. 2. 

That bodes well for them on Monday against the Charlotte Hornets, who have been slightly better at home (4-7) than on the road (3-9) in a trying season. 

Charlotte won’t have LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward or Dennis Smith Jr. in this game due to injury. Normal Powell is officially out for the Clips. 

If George and Leonard return, is there value on betting Los Angeles now?

Here’s a look at the latest odds: 

Clippers vs. Hornets Odds, Spread and Total

Clippers vs. Hornets Prediction and Pick

The Hornets had won three straight home games before losing to the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night, but I just can’t get behind them at this number. 

If Leonard and George return, this line will almost certainly jump in favor of the Clippers, so I’m just going to take a shot and back them now. 

The Hornets have been one of the worst teams in the NBA this season, so the Clippers should be able to compete and win this game even if their two stars don’t suit up. 

The Hornets rank dead last in the NBA in offensive rating this season and 19th in defensive rating. This offense has struggled mightily without Ball’s playmaking, and the Clippers’ No. 6 defense should be able to keep Kelly Oubre Jr. and Terry Rozier in check on Monday. 

Los Angeles has struggled offensively as well this season (28th in offensive rating), but it’s spent a good amount of the season without at least one of Leonard or George. If just one of them suits up, I think the Clippers win this game going away. 

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.