The Charlotte Hornets (16-17) travel to Pepsi Center Thursday to take on the Denver Nuggets (15-15). Tip-off is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Nuggets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The Nuggets are coming into this game after losing to the Thunder last night. It was a disappointing road in which they ended as 6-point favorites.
Denver’s starters were destroyed early in the third and never got back in the game. MVP Nikola Jokic played just 25 minutes. The Nuggets are just 13-17 ATS. They are 8-5 at home though.
The Hornets, who have survived their Covid outbreak, have been one of the best records ATS in the NBA. They’re 19-14 ATS and 7-10 as road underdogs. Charlotte is led by G LaMelo Ball and F Miles Bridges.
Hornets at Nuggets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 2 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Hornets +120 (bet $100 to win $120) | Nuggets -145 (bet $145 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +2.5 (-105) | Nuggets -2.5 (-120)
- Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
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Hornets at Nuggets key injuries
Hornets
- None
Nuggets
- Not officially submitted
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Hornets at Nuggets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Hornets 119, Nuggets 112
Money line
BET on the HORNETS +120. The Nuggets are short-handed and showed an inability to keep up with even the Thunder.
Without Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets are far too reliant on Jokic. As for the Hornets, Rozier, Ball and Bridges are all capable playmakers.
The Hornets average the second-most points per game, while the Nuggets rank in the bottom third of the league in opponent’s field goal percentage. They may not be able to stop a lethal Hornets attack.
Following an awful performance, I’d stay away from the Nuggets and lean to the plus-money Hornets in this one.
Against the spread
PASS on the spread. I’d rather take the plus-money money line odds here instead of a 2.5-point spread.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 230.5 (-108) as the Hornets are getting their rhythm back and should want to push the pace on the Nuggets.
Similarly, the Hornets do not have a dominant presence down low, so Jokic should be able to have his way against the Hornets. Denver’s starters should be looking for some revenge after a horrible game yesterday.
The Hornets rank second in points per game and last in opponent’s points per game.
As rare as it is, both teams have been profitable on the Over, with Charlotte at 20-12-1 and Denver at 17-13. Denver’s Over is 7-1 in its past 8. Charlotte is 7-2-1. I’d bet on the points.
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