The San Antonio Spurs (15-11) stop by Spectrum Center Sunday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off against the Charlotte Hornets (13-14). Below, we analyze the Spurs-Hornets NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
San Antonio is off to a solid start to February, winning four of six games but covering the spread in just three of those, the Spurs are having success at the foul line on both ends and rank ninth in FTA rate on both ends of the court.
The Hornets’ offense has been terrific since rookie PG LaMelo Ball was added to the starting lineup Feb. 1. Charlotte is 10th in offensive rating, fourth in offensive rebounding rate and sixth in fast-break points per game this month.
The Spurs won last season’s series 2-0 but covered the spread in only one of those games.
Spurs at Hornets: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:10 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Spurs -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Hornets +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
- Against the spread/ATS: Spurs -1.5 (-115) | Hornets +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under: 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Spurs at Hornets: Key injuries
Spurs
- PF LaMarcus Aldridge (hip) out
Hornets
- PF PJ Washington (health and safety protocols) doubtful
- SG Cody Martin (health and safety protocols) out
- SG Caleb Martin (health and safety protocols) out
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Spurs at Hornets: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Spurs 119, Hornets 111
Money line (ML)
San Antonio has one of the most underrated defenses in the Association with a lineup of elite defenders in the backcourt and frontcourt. The absence of Aldridge forces C Jakob Poeltl into the starting lineup and Poeltl is top-20 in rebounding rate, blocks per game and defensive rating.
Also, the Hornets have the worst defensive rebounding percentage in the NBA and Washington being doubtful to play forces Charlotte to use a three-guard starting lineup.
It’s hard to ignore the promise Ball has shown early in his rookie season but Spurs PG Dejounte Murray and his backup PG Patty Mills get after it defensively. With Poeltl behind them and Charlotte’s rebounding already being an issue, Murray and Mills can be more aggressive with the ballhandlers.
Since this is close to a pick ’em, each team’s star is going to be counted on to close the game out and I have more faith in Spurs SF DeMar DeRozan than Hornets SF Gordon Hayward. DeRozan has significantly outplayed Hayward in their 16 career meetings with his teams going 10-6 and DeRozan outscoring Hayward in their previous seven matchups.
TAKE SPURS (-130) for 1 unit.
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Against the spread (ATS)
PASS ON THE SPREAD unless the money line drops to -140 because I’d rather lay the points than eat the chalk.
Over/Under (O/U)
I lean OVER 228.5 (-110) for a tiny wager only in part because my read is San Antonio’s offense should cut right through Charlotte’s defense and the market is barreling into the Over.
Usually, I’d like to fade the market but we are somewhat aligned on this one and I’d rather follow the money than fade it here.
Again, though, it’s only a lean.
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Also see:
- Edwards, Ball produce entertaining back-and-forth in first meeting (Lonzo Wire)
- Hoops Hype rumors: Spurs | Hornets
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