Hornets vs Jazz Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 3/31/2025

Tonight's matchup between two of the NBA's most struggling teams might not be for the playoff-hungry fan, but it could offer a glimpse at young talent as the Jazz bring their five-game losing streak to Spectrum Center against a Hornets squad playing their second game in as many nights.

With both sides missing key stars – Utah without Markkanen, Clarkson, and Collins while Charlotte continues without Ball and Miller – expect a contest where bench depth and energy levels could prove decisive.

Look for the slight rest advantage to possibly tip the scales when the Charlotte Hornets host the Utah Jazz in what promises to be a scrappy affair between teams more focused on ping pong balls than playoff positioning.

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Charlotte Hornets vs. Utah Jazz preview

Tonight's showdown between the Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets might not feature playoff implications, but it's essentially the 'Desperation Bowl' as two struggling franchises face off in what some fans are jokingly calling the 'Victor Wembanyama Sweepstakes.'

The Jazz enter on a five-game skid and have dropped an astounding 15 of their last 16 contests, looking completely lost without injured stars Lauri Markkanen, Jordan Clarkson, and John Collins.

Charlotte isn't exactly lighting it up either, having lost seven of eight and playing on zero days' rest after yesterday's disappointing 98-94 defeat in New Orleans where they shot a miserable 35% from the field.

Miles Bridges (20.6 ppg) will need to carry the offensive load for the Hornets with LaMelo Ball sidelined, while Collin Sexton – coming off a 20-point performance against Denver – remains Utah's best hope for offensive production.

What makes this matchup particularly rough on the eyes is both teams' offensive struggles – Utah's averaging just 105.6 points over their last ten games, while Charlotte's managed to score 105 or fewer in six of their last ten outings.

The Jazz do have a slight advantage having had the weekend off to rest, while the Hornets are playing the second game of a back-to-back – a situation where they've gone just 3-10 this season.

If you're looking for a bright spot in this basement battle, keep an eye on young talent like Kyle Filipowski and Keyonte George, who each dropped 18 points in Utah's last game, showing flashes of what might eventually be a promising future.

In what promises to be a sloppy, low-scoring affair between two teams more focused on lottery position than victories, expect the Jazz to capitalize on Charlotte's fatigue and escape with a narrow road win.