The Portland Trail Blazers (3-2) visit the Charlotte Hornets (4-2) Sunday. The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. ET and will be held at the Spectrum Center. Below, we look at the Trail Blazers vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
With both teams starting off the season hot, this matchup is primed to be a thriller.
The Hornets will be at home with SF Miles Bridges leading the team in scoring at 25.5 points per game (PPG). He’s totaled at least 30 points in three of the team’s five games.
With PG Terry Rozier expected to return from an ankle injury, the Hornets backcourt should be at full strength. Charlotte will face a challenge with PG Damian Lillard and SG CJ McCollum coming to town.
The Trail Blazers duo is practically impossible to fully stop. McCollum averages 24.2 PPG, while Lillard is at 19.2 PPG, the lowest amount since his rookie season.
Trail Blazers at Hornets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday at 3:55 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Trail Blazers -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Hornets +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
- Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers -2.5 (-107) | Hornets +2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Trail Blazers at Hornets key injuries
Trail Blazers
- None
Hornets
- PG Terry Rozier (ankle) probable
Trail Blazers at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Hornets 112, Blazers 108
Money line
BET CHARLOTTE (+110) as it has great value. Charlotte leads the NBA in scoring at 117.5 PPG. While that may not be sustainable, the Hornets have been on fire offensively.
The Blazers rank eighth in defensive rating (102.1), but they’re struggling offensively as Lillard hasn’t quite adapted to the league’s new rules.
At home with a plus-money value, the Hornets have proven enough offensively, especially with PG LaMelo Ball helping captain them.
Taking on a Trail Blazers team that has struggled at times this season, the Hornets will be to looking to rebound from Friday’s 114-99 loss at the Miami Heat.
With many rising stars, it’s time to start taking Charlotte seriously.
Against the spread
PASS on the spread and bet the money line for the better value as noted above.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 230.5 (-110) as the two teams have struggled to consistently score so far this season.
The Hornets were held under 100 points Friday for the first time this season against the league’s best defensive team in Miami. Now, they’re facing another top-ten defensive side in Portland, led by SF Robert Covington.
I expect the Hornets to win, but in doing so, it must be Rozier or Ball to cook as Covington is one of the best defenders and may get the best of Bridges.
If Covington can do his part, the Hornets may struggle to score. With Ball and Rozier both lengthy and quick respectively, they may also cause Portland some troubles.
Ultimately, given the total, I would go with the Under (230.5), especially given how the rule changes have impacted free-throw shooting, taking a player like Lillard’s attempts per game from 7.2 to 4.0.
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