Charlotte Hornets vs Utah Jazz Picks and Predictions March 31st 2025

Jazz, Hornets Face Off in Crucial Race for NBA’s Worst Record

The Utah Jazz and Charlotte Hornets meet Monday in a matchup that carries significant implications—not for the playoffs, but for the race to the bottom of the NBA standings. Both teams are hoping to land a high draft pick, with the possibility of securing Duke’s Cooper Flagg looming over their seasons.

With the Jazz (16-59) currently holding the worst record in the league and the Hornets (18-56) just ahead, this game is one that both franchises might secretly prefer to lose.

Charlotte Hornets: Youth Movement in Full Effect

The Hornets are coming off a 98-94 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, their fifth straight defeat. They led at halftime but faltered late, highlighting their struggles in closing out games without their star player, LaMelo Ball.

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LaMelo Ball Done for the Season

Charlotte announced that Ball will undergo surgeries on both his ankle and wrist, officially ending his season. His absence has forced head coach Charles Lee to rely on young talent, giving players a crash course in high-pressure NBA situations.

Lee remains optimistic despite the struggles:

“It’s huge for those guys to have an in-the-game moment like that. How do you close a game? How do you execute? It’s a very valuable experience for those guys.”

Recent Performance Against Utah

The Hornets snapped a nine-game losing streak against the Jazz earlier this season, winning 117-112 in Salt Lake City on January 15. Mark Williams was the star of that game, scoring a career-high 31 points.

Utah Jazz: Searching for Answers

The Jazz have lost five straight games and 15 of their last 16, solidifying their position as the NBA’s worst team. Their most recent outing, a 129-93 blowout loss to Denver, exposed their offensive inefficiencies and defensive struggles.

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Shooting Woes and Road Struggles

Against the Nuggets, Utah shot just 35.5% from the field (33-of-93), a trend that has plagued them all season. The loss kicked off a brutal five-game road trip that continues through Charlotte, Houston, Indiana, and Atlanta.

Head coach Will Hardy acknowledged the team’s effort but pointed to their offensive inefficiency:

“I thought we generated a bunch of good looks and they didn’t go. I’m not hiding from the fact that we got our butts kicked, but it’s not because the team didn’t compete and play hard.”

Developing Young Talent

Like Charlotte, Utah is using this difficult stretch to evaluate and develop younger players. Hardy emphasized that this experience will help the team in the long run:

“We’re focused on trying to further our understanding of our young players. See what they’re capable of and push those limits a little bit.”

Key Matchup Factors

• Can Charlotte continue its dominance over Utah? The Hornets have won two straight against the Jazz after years of struggles.
• Will Utah’s offense show signs of life? Shooting just 35.5% from the field won’t cut it, even against a struggling Hornets team.
• Which young players will step up? Both teams are leaning on their younger core, making this a proving ground for future contributors.
• Will this game impact the draft race? A loss could improve lottery odds for either team in the Cooper Flagg sweepstakes.

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With two of the NBA’s worst teams clashing, this game may not be a marquee matchup—but for fans watching the draft lottery race, it’s one that could shape the future of both franchises.