The Charlotte Hornets (2-5) clash with the Atlanta Hawks (4-3) Wednesday in a Southeast Division game at the State Farm Arena. The tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze the Hawks-Hornets NBA betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
The Hornets are in a two-game miniseries with the Hawks after just getting crushed in Philadelphia by the 76ers in both games of that back-to-back by 15 and 16 points. Charlotte is now on a three-game losing streak following back-to-back impressive wins over the Dallas Mavericks and Brooklyn Nets.
Atlanta has dropped two straight, including a 113-108 loss at home against the New York Knicks as 7.5-point favorites Jan. 4. The Hawks squandered a 15-point lead in the game and ended up shooting worse from everywhere on the floor and being out-rebounded 53-46.
These teams were only able to fit in two head-to-head meetings last year before the shutdown, but Atlanta won both (1-0-1 ATS) with the last contest being a 143-138 overtime victory.
Hornets at Hawks: Betting odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:35 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Hornets +200 (bet $100 to win $200) | Hawks -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Hornets +6.5 (-120) | Hawks -6.5 (+100)
- Over/Under: 231.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Hornets at Hawks: Key Injuries
Hornets
- C Cody Zeller (hand) out
Hawks
- SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (ankle) probable
- SG Danilo Gallinari (ankle) out
- PG Rajon Rondo (knee) out
- C Onyeka Okongwu (toe) out
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Hornets at Hawks: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Hornets 119, Hawks 114
Money line (ML)
There are a couple of hoops’ angles I see in Hornets-Hawks. First, Trae Young and Atlanta thrive at the charity stripe. The Hawks are second in free-throw attempts per field goal attempts, but the Hornets are 10th in FT/FGA.
Second, Atlanta might not be able to capitalize on Charlotte’s biggest weakness (turning the ball over): The Hornets are 22nd in turnover percentage, but the Hawks are only 28th in defensive turnover percentage.
Also, Charlotte is much healthier entering this game and 2-to-1 vs. an unproven Atlanta team is too juicy to pass up. This is more of a bet against Atlanta than on Charlotte, but I lean HORNETS (+200) for a half-unit since I am taking them to cover the spread.
Against the spread (ATS)
GIMME HORNETS +6.5 (-120) for 1.5 units. On top of the stuff written above, more than 70% of the market is on the Hawks in this game (according to Pregame.com) and 70% of bettors don’t beat the House.
Despite the majority of bettors backing Atlanta, the Hornets have the pricier spread. Weird, right? It’s kind of like BetMGM wants you to bet the Hawks. Nah, we are on the Hornets here.
Over/Under (O/U)
I lean OVER 231.5 (-115) but not enough to stake a real wager to it. I’m good with just playing the Hornets’ side.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Also see:
- Rookie Wire Power Rankings: James Wiseman, LaMelo Ball lead the way (Rookie Wire)
- Hoops Hype Rumors: Hornets | Hawks
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