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The Atlanta Hawks visit the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday to kick off each team’s 2023-24 season. Tip from Spectrum Center is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Hawks vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Season series: First meeting; Hornets won 3 of 4 last season
The Hawks ended last season 41-41, good for 7th in the East, and 36-46 against the spread (ATS) while exiting the playoffs in the 1st round after a 4-2 series defeat against the Celtics. Atlanta finished 17-24 on the road during the 2022-23 campaign. It is led by G Trae Young and enters Wednesday without any notable injuries.
Charlotte finished 27-55 last season, good for 14th in the East while going 37-42-3 ATS. The Hornets are led by G LaMelo Ball who played in just 36 games last season but averaged 23.3 points per game (ppg) when he did play. Charlotte was just 13-28 at home last season.
The underdog won in each of the 4 games last season.
Hawks at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hawks -165 (bet $165 to win $100) | Hornets +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hawks -3.5 (-110) | Hornets +3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Hawks at Hornets key injuries
Hawks
- None
Hornets
- G Frank Ntilikina (leg) out
- G James Bouknight (knee) out
- F Miles Bridges (suspension) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
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Hawks at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Hawks 124, Hornets 117
Moneyline
There are better odds on the spread when betting on Atlanta, who should be able to take care of business on the road on Wednesday against a less-talented Hornets team.
Against the spread
BET HAWKS -3.5 (-110).
The Hawks had a promising year last year before their playoff defeat to Boston. Young averaged 26.3 ppg and 10.2 assists per game (apg) while C Clint Capella averaged 12 ppg and 11 rebounds per game (rpg). While Charlotte has young talent in Ball, it does not have the firepower to keep up with Atlanta on opening night.
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 236.5 (-105).
Both teams have young talent who will be eager to open the season with a bang on Wednesday, but with young talent comes lax defense which leads to an array of scoring for both sides.
Last year, both the Hawks (6th) and Hornets (9th) ranked top 10 in the league for pace, showcasing their willingness to push the ball and in turn, create easier scoring opportunities.
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