The Charlotte Hornets (7-22) visit Ball Arena Sunday to face the Denver Nuggets (17-11). Tip-off is at 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Hornets vs. Nuggets odds, and our expert NBA picks and predictions.
Despite the recent return of G LeMelo Ball, the Hornets are still coming into Denver on a 7-game losing streak. They are last in the Eastern Conference and their 7 wins are the lowest in the NBA. Their last loss was Friday 125-106 to the Atlanta Hawks as 2-point home favorites.
The Nuggets faced a Los Angeles Lakers team at the bottom of the Pacific Division and lost 126-108 as 1.5-point favorites after allowing 52% shooting and 21 points from C Thomas Bryant, who is averaging just 9.4 points this season. That being said, they lead the Northwest Division.
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Hornets at Nuggets odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:43 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hornets +275 (bet $100 to win $275) | Nuggets -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +8.5 (-115) | Nuggets -8.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 237.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Hornets at Nuggets key injuries
Hornets
- G Cody Martin (knee) out
- G Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) out
- F Mark Williams (ankle) out
Nuggets
- G Collin Gillespie (leg) out
- C Nikola Jokic (knee) probable
- G Jamal Murray (ankle) probable
- F Michael Porter Jr. (heel) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Nuggets picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 110, Hornets 104
Moneyline
The Hornets are last in shooting percentage and 2-point percentage. They also give up the 4th-most field goals per game in the league. Denver on the other hand scores the 2nd-most field goals (43.6).
But at -350 you can PASS on this line.
Against the spread
First, 8.5 points is relatively large and while Denver certainly is better overall, ATS trends point against them.
The Nuggets have covered just once in their last 7 when giving up 100 points or more in their last game. The same goes when the Nuggets score more than 100 points, where they are on a cold streak (1-6 ATS).
On top of that Denver has not covered in their last 6 games after a day of rest.
BET HORNETS +8.5 (-115).
Over/Under
The Nuggets rank 29th in 3-point attempts (30.1) and 22nd in total field goal attempts (85.9). Denver has countered these numbers by their phenomenal 50.7% shooting percentage, the best in the NBA. However, Charlotte’s only bright spot is their 3-point defense, ranking 15th in 3 pointers allowed per game.
On top of that the Hornets rank #1 in fast break defense, allowing just 10.6 points.
LEAN UNDER 237.5 (-110).
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