Charlotte Hornets odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Toronto Raptors at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Toronto Raptors at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (28-23) visit the Queen City Monday to play the Charlotte Hornets (28-26). The tip-off at Spectrum Center is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Raptors vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Toronto has won six of seven including five straight games (6-1 against the spread (ATS)) with the most recent being a 125-114 victory over the Hawks as a 2-point home favorite.

Charlotte is the loser of four in a row (1-3 ATS) to the Clippers (115-90 Jan. 30), at the Celtics (113-107 Wednesday), against the Cavaliers (102-101 Friday) and the Heat (104-86 Saturday).

The Raptors trampled the Hornets 125-113 in Toronto as 1-point home underdogs Jan. 25 without PG Fred VanVleet who was selected to his first All-Star team this past week.

Raptors at Hornets 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 at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Money line: Raptors -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Hornets +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
Against the spread: Raptors -1.5 (-112) | Hornets +1.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Raptors at Hornets key injuries

Raptors

None

Hornets

None

Deposit $10 or more, get $100 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!

Raptors at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 116, Hornets 106

Money line

BET the RAPTORS (-125) for 1 unit because they are trending in a much better direction than the Hornets and Toronto has a couple of edges it can exploit.

The Raptors have a plus-8.1 adjusted net rating (ranked sixth) and a plus-5.1 ATS margin (ranked sixth) over the last two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Whereas the Hornets have a minus-6.4 adjusted net rating (ranked 23rd) and minus-6.3 ATS margin (ranked 26th) in the last 14 days, per CTG.

Toronto also has two strength-on-weakness edges on the glass and in fastbreak efficiency. The Raptors are second in both offensive rebounding rate and second-chance points per game (PPG). While the Hornets are 23rd in defensive rebounding rate and allow the most second-chance PPG.

Charlotte is second in fastbreak PPG and Toronto is third. But, the Hornets allow the fourth-most fastbreak PPG and the Raptors give up the third-fewest.

BET the RAPTORS (-125) for 1 unit.

Against the spread

PASS.

I’m confident enough in the Raptors -1.5 (-112) that I’d prefer not to fuss with the points and just bet Toronto outright.

For what it’s worth, the Hornets are 9-3 ATS as home underdogs and the Raptors are 2-1 ATS as road favorites.

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 224.5 (-112).

The Raptors are 0-3 O/U as road favorites with a minus-10.3 total margin and the Hornets have the worst offensive rating in the NBA during their current four-game losing skid.

However, Toronto’s offense has erupted in recent weeks as the Raptors are 6-2 O/U in their last eight games and the Over is 11-3-1 in the last 15 Raptors-Hornets meetings.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Miami Heat at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (28-25) host the Miami Heat (33-20) Saturday at Spectrum Center for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Heat vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Miami snapped a three-game losing skid by clobbering the Spurs in San Antonio 112-95, easily covering as an 8-point favorite. The Heat are 4-3 straight up (SU) and 3-4 against the spread (ATS) over the last two weeks.

Charlotte also enters on a three-game losing streak including a 102-101 loss at home to the Cleveland Cavaliers Friday. The Hornets are 2-5 SU and ATS across the last 14 days.

The Heat torched the Hornets 114-99 as 6.5-point favorites Oct. 29 in their first meeting this season. Miami All-Star F Jimmy Butler scored a game-high 32 points on 12-for-19 shooting with 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

Heat at Hornets 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 at 1:57 p.m. ET.

Money line: Heat -155 (bet $155 to win $100) | Hornets +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
Against the spread: Heat -3.5 (-107) | Hornets +3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Heat at Hornets key injuries

Heat

SF Jimmy Butler (toe) probable
SF Caleb Martin (Achilles) questionable
SF Max Strus (quadriceps) questionable
PF P.J. Tucker (knee) questionable

Hornets

SF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out

Heat at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Heat 117, Hornets 107

Money line

BET the HEAT (-155) for 1 unit because Miami beats up on bad defenses and on fatigued teams.

The Heat are 15-4 SU versus teams in the bottom 10 of defensive efficiency with a plus-9.3 adjusted net rating (ranked sixth), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

On top of that, Charlotte struggles with tough defenses and Miami is eight in defensive rating. The Hornets are 7-14 SU versus top-10 defenses with a minus-5.5 adjusted net rating (ranked 22nd), per CTG.

Miami also dominates teams when playing with a rest advantage and Charlotte is terrible when playing with no rest. The Heat are 9-3 SU with a rest advantage (plus-10.1 margin of victory) and the Hornets are 1-8 SU on the second of a back-to-back.

For the record, this is near the top of my price range for Miami’s money line (ML). If the Heat’s ML goes north of -165 then I’d just lay the points with Miami.

BET the HEAT (-155).

Against the spread

PASS.

However, if Miami’s ML gets any higher I’d be comfortable laying points with the Heat -3.5 (-107) in this spot considering how well they perform versus fatigued teams and how poorly the Hornets perform with no rest.

However, Charlotte is 9-2 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and 4-0 ATS when getting 3-4.5 points so I could see an argument for the Hornets covering here.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 227.5 (-110) for a small wager, if at all, because I much prefer Miami outright.

This Heat-Hornets total has been steamed up from a 224-point opener and more than 80% of the action is on the Over, according to Pregame.com.

Charlotte has also gotten locked up in its past three games, all against top-10 defenses. The Hornets are 29th in both offensive rating and effective field goal shooting over their last three games.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (31-21) head to the Spectrum Center Friday to play the Charlotte Hornets (28-24) at 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Cavaliers vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Cleveland was upset 115-104 by the Rockets in Houston as 5-point road favorites Wednesday. Over the past two weeks, the Cavs are 4-2 straight up (SU) but just 1-5 against the spread (ATS).

Charlotte has lost back-to-back games over the Los Angeles Clippers (115-90 Sunday) and at the Boston Celtics (113-107 Tuesday). The Hornets are 3-4 SU and ATS in the last 14 days.

These teams split the first two meetings this season 1-1 SU and ATS with the road team winning and covering both. Each Cavaliers-Hornets contest this season has gone Over the total.

Cavaliers at Hornets 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 at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Cavaliers +165 (bet $100 to win $165) | Hornets -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Against the spread: Cavaliers +4.5 (-105) | Hornets -4.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 216.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Cavaliers at Hornets key injuries

Cavaliers

PG Darius Garland (back) out
PF Lauri Markkanen (ankle) out

Hornets

SF Gordon Hayward (reconditioning) questionable
SF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out

Cavaliers at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 108, Cavaliers 106

Money line

PASS.

Heavy “lean” towards the Cavs (+165) because I like Cleveland plus the points, and I’ll sometimes sprinkle on an underdog’s money line when betting them to cover.

However, my favorite play in this contest is the OVER so I’d prefer to save my bankroll for that wager.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the CAVALIERS +4.5 (-105).

Both teams are far more profitable as underdogs. In fact, Cleveland is 18-8-1 against the spread (ATS) as an underdog with a plus-6.8 ATS margin.

Furthermore, Charlotte underperforms versus teams in the top 10 of defensive rating, and Cleveland is third in defensive rating.

For instance, the Hornets are 7-13 SU versus top-10 defenses with a minus-5.7 adjusted net rating (ranked 22nd) and a minus-3.5 ATS margin (ranked 21st), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

On top of that, Cleveland beats up on bad defenses, and Charlotte is 26th in defensive rating. The Cavs are 12-5 SU versus bottom-10 defenses with a plus-3.8 adjusted net rating and plus-1.8 ATS margin, per CTG.

But, it’s only a “LEAN” to the CAVALIERS +4.5 (-105) since the Hornets are 9-1 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record, and I prefer the Over.

Over/Under

GIMME the UNDER 216.5 (-110) for 1 unit because both teams could struggle offensively for different reasons, and we have an Under-friendly officiating crew.

First of all, the Cavs are missing their two best offensive players by adjusted on/off points per 100 possessions scored, per CTG.

Garland is Cleveland’s floor general and leading scorer while Markkanen is your prototypical stretch-4 that can space the floor.

On top of that, Cleveland’s murky ball security could be an even bigger factor against Charlotte.

The Hornets are fourth in offensive turnover rate (TOV%) and seventh in defensive TOV% while the Cavs are 28th in offensive TOV%.

In Charlotte’s case, Cleveland plays good defense in transition, defensive rebounds and protects the paint, which are all strengths for the Hornets.

Lastly, the assigned officiating crew for the Cavaliers-Hornets has a combined 47-63 O/U record, and neither team gets to the charity stripe often.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Boston Celtics (27-25) host the Charlotte Hornets (28-23) Wednesday at TD Garden for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Charlotte had a two-game winning streak snapped Sunday after getting crushed 115-90 by the Los Angeles Clippers as a 6-point home favorite. The Hornets are 6-4 straight up (SU) and 5-5 against the spread (ATS) over the past 10 games.

Boston has won four of its past five games (4-1 ATS), including two straight. The Celtics beat the New Orleans Pelicans 107-97 on the road Saturday and the Miami Heat 122-92 at home Monday.

Charlotte and Boston split their first two meetings this season with the road team winning and covering both. The Celtics are 7-3 SU and ATS in the last 10 meetings with the Hornets in Charlotte.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA February 2 breakdown

Hornets at Celtics 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 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Celtics -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
Against the spread: Hornets +5.5 (-108) | Celtics -5.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Hornets at Celtics key injuries

Hornets

SF Gordon Hayward (reconditioning) out
PF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out
SG Kelly Oubre Jr. (ankle) probable

Celtics

PG Dennis Schroder (Achilles) probable
C Robert Williams III (toe) probable

Hornets at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 117, Hornets 109

Money line

PASS.

I’m confident enough in Boston to lay the points and Boston (-240) is just too pricey for an outright winner in NBA regular-season action.

Against the spread

BET CELTICS -5.5 (-112). They are a little undervalued and have been playing good basketball recently.

Boston is just 27-25 SU but is seventh in net rating and has the best net rating in the NBA over the past seven games with the best ATS margin at plus-8.4, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

The Celtics are eighth in adjusted shot-quality differential, according to ShotQuality.com, and have a minus-4.2 win differential, which essentially means Boston should have four more wins.

Also, the Celtics are fourth in defensive rating and the Hornets struggle against good defenses. Charlotte is 7-12 SU versus top-10 defenses, 22nd in adjusted-net rating (minus-5.7) and 22nd in ATS margin (minus-3.2).

The Celtics were without Williams III and PG Marcus Smart in their loss to the Hornets earlier this season. Smart is Boston’s best on-ball defender and Williams is an elite rebounder and paint protector.

Williams has a plus-6.7 adjusted on/off net rating. His absence led to Hornets C Mason Plumlee grabbing 10 boards (six offensive rebounds).

With Williams in the lineup Wednesday, I expect the Celtics to do a better job rebounding and protecting the paint. Boston is third in paint points per game (PPG) allowed and Charlotte is fourth in paint PPG.

BET CELTICS -5.5 (-112) for 1 unit.

Over/Under

PASS with a “lean” to the Over 223.5 (-108) because the Over has cashed in nine of the last 13 Hornets-Celtics meetings.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Los Angeles Lakers at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Los Angeles Lakers at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Los Angeles Lakers (24-25) play their second game in consecutive nights when they visit the Charlotte Hornets (27-22) Friday. Tip-off at Spectrum Center is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

A LeBron James-less L.A. (+6) got clubbed 105-87 by the 76ers Thursday. Lakers PF Anthony Davis balled out in his second game back from injury, scoring 31 points on 66.7% shooting with 12 boards. L.A. is 20-29 against the spread (ATS) and 26-22-1 Over/Under (O/U).

The Hornets (-2) obliterated the Pacers in Indiana 158-126 Wednesday, snapping a two-game losing skid. Since Jan. 17, Charlotte is 4-2 straight-up (SU) and 4-2 ATS.

The Lakers (-2.5) beat the Hornets 126-123 in overtime in their first meeting this season (Nov. 8) for L.A.’s sixth straight victory and cover versus Charlotte. However, James missed the first Lakers-Hornets meeting while Davis was active and played great.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 28 breakdown

Lakers at Hornets 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 at 2:04 p.m. ET.

Money line: Lakers +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Hornets -370 (bet $370 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +7.5 (-108) | Hornets -7.5 (-112)
Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Lakers at Hornets key injuries

Lakers

PF Anthony Davis (wrist) questionable
SF LeBron James (knee) questionable
SG Malik Monk (groin) out
PG Russell Westbrook (knee) questionable

Hornets

SF Gordon Hayward (health and safety protocols) out
SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (ankle) questionable

Lakers at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 118, Lakers 109

Money line

PASS. Charlotte (-370) is too expensive considering we still don’t know who’s suiting up for the Lakers.

While both LeBron and AD could play or sit out, imagine holding a Hornets -370 ticket they both are available.

Against the spread

BET the HORNETS -7.5 (-112). They are better rested, have edges to exploit and it’s a much better spot for Charlotte.

First of all, LeBron missed L.A.’s previous game and AD has only played two games since returning from injury. I’d guess LeBron sat Thursday so AD can rest Friday and the Lakers will still have an All-NBA-caliber guy on the floor.

But Charlotte is far better suited to defend LeBron compared to AD. The Hornets are deep at wing and have bodies to throw at LeBron.

Plus, Charlotte SF Miles Bridges is in the midst of a breakout season and you know he’s going to get up for this game.

On top of that, the Hornets have much better ball security than the Lakers and Charlotte forces turnovers, which turn into easy points.

L.A. is 20th in offensive-turnover rate (TOV%), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), and 23rd in points off of turnovers allowed per game. Charlotte is fifth in defensive TOV% (per CTG) and second in points off of turnovers per game.

Both teams like to push the pace and get out in transition, but the Hornets are fourth in offensive efficiency in the fast break, and the Lakers are 24th.

Furthermore, Charlotte is second in offensive-shot quality mostly because the Hornets have the third-highest volume of shots at the rim and third-highest volume of corner 3-pointers.

But L.A. is 27th in defensive-shot quality and 21st in defensive field-goal percentage versus attempts at the rim. The Hornets are fourth in paint points per game (PPG) and the Lakers are 26th in paint PPG allowed.

Over/Under

PASS since my prediction closely aligns with the projected score so there’s not a lot of value in this total for me.

That said, I “lean” to the Under 227.5 (-110) because Charlotte has stepped up its defense over the past two weeks (eight in adjusted defensive rating) and L.A.’s offense has been in a slump over that span (26th in adjusted offensive rating).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Toronto Raptors odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (22-22) host the Charlotte Hornets (26-21) Tuesday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off at Scotiabank Arena. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Raptors odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Charlotte had a three-game win streak snapped Sunday when it was crushed 113-91 by the Atlanta Hawks at home as a 1.5-point favorite. The Hornets are 7-3 straight-up (SU), 7-3 against the spread (ATS) and 3-7 Over/Under (O/U) in their last 10 games.

Toronto has lost three of its last four games, which includes a 114-105 defeat by the Portland Trail Blazers at home as an 8-point favorite. The Raptors are 5-5 SU, 6-4 ATS and 3-7 O/U in their last 10 games.

The Hornets have covered five consecutive meetings with the Raptors but Toronto is 3-2 SU in those contests.

Hornets at Raptors 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 at 6:30 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Raptors -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +3.5 (-107) | Raptors -3.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 221.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Hornets at Raptors key injuries

Hornets

SF Gordon Hayward (foot) questionable
SF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out

Raptors

C Khem Birch (nose) out

Hornets at Raptors odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Raptors 112, Hornets 104

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Raptors (-170) because I’d rather not fuss with the points against a Hornets team that has the fourth-best ATS winning percentage in the Association.

However, Toronto’s money line is a little out of my price range and this is a good spot for the Raptors.

Against the spread

BET the RAPTORS -3.5 (-115) for 1 unit for various reasons. First of all, Toronto has two strength-on-weakness edges versus Charlotte on the offensive glass and in transition.

The Raptors are second in offensive rebounding rate and second in second-chance points per game (PPG). While the Hornets are 24th in defensive rebounding rate and allow the most second-chance PPG.

Charlotte and Toronto rank second and third in fastbreak PPG, but the Raptors are third in fastbreak PPG allowed and the Hornets rank 26th.

Toronto is also deep at the wing and Charlotte could be without two wings in Hayward and McDaniels.

Not having those guys out there will be a lot of pressure on Hornets’ wing Miles Bridges to take on the Raptors’ three-headed wing monster of Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby and Scottie Barnes.

Finally, Toronto is 8-1 ATS in its last nine games following a SU loss and 16-7 ATS versus teams with a winning record (8-3 ATS at home).

BET the RAPTORS -3.5 (-115).

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-115) because the Hornets are 0-4 O/U over the last four games mostly because they’ve stepped their defense up in Jan. Charlotte is fifth in adjusted defensive rating in Jan., according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Raptors are ninth in adjusted defensive rating this month (per CTG) and have gone Under the total in seven of their last eight games.

However, I can only “LEAN” to the UNDER 221.5 (-115) for a one-third unit at most because of Toronto’s aforementioned strength-on-weakness edges and Charlotte is eighth in effective field goal shooting.

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Atlanta Hawks at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Atlanta Hawks (20-25) meet their Southeast Division co-tenant the Charlotte Hornets (26-20) Sunday at Spectrum Center for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Hawks vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Atlanta won and covered its third consecutive game by squeaking past the Miami Heat 110-108 Friday as a 1.5-point home favorite.

The Hawks are 3-4 straight-up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) with a minus-5.6 adjusted net rating (ranked 25th) and a minus-4.4 ATS margin (ranked 28th) over the last two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Charlotte is also on a three-game win and cover streak with the latest being a 121-98 beatdown of the Oklahoma City Thunder as an 8.5-point home favorite Friday.

The Hornets are 5-1 SU and ATS with the second-best adjusted net rating at plus-10.2 and the best ATS margin at plus-7.3 in the last 14 days, per CTG.

These teams split the first two meetings this season with the road team winning and covering both. Also, the Under has cashed in four of the last five Hawks-Hornets games.

Hawks at Hornets 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 at 1:23 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hawks +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Hornets -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hawks +3.5 (-110) | Hornets -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 235.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Hawks at Hornets key injuries

Hawks

SF Danilo Gallinari (Achilles) questionable
SG Kevin Huerter (hip) questionable
SG Bogdan Bogdanovic (knee) out

Hornets

SF Jalen McDaniels (ankle) out

Hawks at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 124, Hawks 117

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” towards the Hornets (-160) since they are on the fringe of my price range for an NBA regular-season money line favorite.

For what it’s worth, Charlotte is 6-2 SU as a home favorite and Atlanta is 5-10 SU as a road underdog.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the HORNETS -3.5 (-110) for a half unit because I prefer the Over more than the sides in this game. However, this is a better spot for Charlotte.

The Hornets are an NBA-best 15-4 ATS at home with a plus-3.6 ATS margin. While the Hawks are 8-15 ATS on the road with a minus-1.9 ATS margin, 3-7 ATS on the road versus teams above-.500 and 5-10 ATS as road underdogs.

Ultimately, the dealbreaker for my “LEAN” to the HORNETS -3.5 (-110) is how bad the Hawks are in tight games. Atlanta is 29th in clutch net rating at minus-22.6 while Charlotte is 17th at minus-0.4. “Clutch” is defined by a game that’s within a 5-point margin with five minutes or less in regulation.

Over/Under

BET the OVER 235.5 (-110) for 1 unit because both teams are awesome offensively and weak defensively. Plus both have edges they can exploit.

Charlotte gets out in transition at the highest rate in the league and is second in fastbreak points per game (PPG). Whereas Atlanta has the worst transition defensive efficiency and is 20th in fastbreak PPG allowed.

However, Atlanta can pick-and-roll (PnR) Charlotte to death. The Hawks initiate PnR action through the ball handler at the second-highest rate and the Hornets rank 26th in defensive efficiency versus ball handlers in PnR.

On top of that, Atlanta is second in offensive efficiency in the PnR through the roll-man and Charlotte’s defensive efficiency versus the roll-man grades in the 35th percentile.

Also, this total is shockingly high considering the head-to-head O/U trend between these two teams. In fact, this total is 11.5 points higher than the most recent Hawks-Hornets meeting, Dec. 5. But, that game soared over the total of 225 by 32 points and I like this meeting to go Over as well.

BET the OVER 235.5 (-110).

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and, soon, IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]

Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Charlotte Hornets at Chicago Bulls odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Bulls (13-8) host the Charlotte Hornets (13-9) Monday at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Bulls odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions, and bets.

Charlotte had a three-game winning streak snapped after a 146-143 overtime loss at the lowly Houston Rockets Saturday. The Hornets are 12-10 ATS and 12-10 O/U with the 15th-best net rating (plus-0.5).

Chicago lost three of four including its more recent outing 107-104 to the Miami Heat at home. The Bulls are 13-8 ATS and 9-12 O/U with the fifth-best net rating (plus-6.8).

The Bulls beat the Hornets in all three regular-season meetings last season (3-0 ATS) and the Under was 2-1 in those contests.

Hornets at Bulls odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Bulls -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +5.5 (-112) | Bulls -5.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 224.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!

Hornets at Bulls key injuries

Kings

C Mason Plumlee (calf) out

Bulls

PF Patrick Williams (wrist) out

Hornets at Bulls odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Bulls 118, Hornets 110

Money line

PASS on picking an outright winner in the Battle of the Balls because I think Hornets-Bulls comes down to a couple of key late possessions, but Chicago will ultimately win.

The Bulls have a plus-4.0 net rating in the clutch, while the Hornets are minus-1.0 (the last five minutes of the game and the scoring margin is within five points). Also, Charlotte is missing much-needed size since Chicago big Nikola Vucevic is a top-10 offensive center in the NBA.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the BULLS -5.5 (-108) since there’s a “sharp line move” in Chicago’s direction and a “Pros vs. Joe’s” split in the betting market.

According to both Pregame.com and the Yahoo! Sports App, there have been more bets placed on the Hornets, but more money has been wagered on the Bulls. Oddsmakers have reacted by increasing Chicago’s spread up from the 5-point opening number.

There’s an assumption by the market that the Hornets are young, feisty road underdogs. However, since the beginning of last season, Charlotte is 14-24 ATS as a road underdog with a minus-8.2 scoring margin.

Also, Charlotte likes to get out in transition and that could backfire. The Hornets play the highest frequency of transition offense in the NBA, but the Bulls have the highest transition offense efficiency.

I cannot fully get there on Chicago laying the points because I think this will be a back-and-forth game between two young teams trending upwards.

Over/Under

BET OVER 224.5 (-107) since the market is hammering the Under and has steamed the total down from the 225-point opener.

The sibling-dynamic of Hornets’ LaMelo Ball vs. the Bulls’ Lonzo Ball will produce a fun, up-and-down game. Not only are both above-average starting point guards, but each also fits their teams perfectly.

LaMelo pushes the pace and helps get odd-man fastbreaks or open transition 3-pointers for teammates. Lonzo is a new-age floor general that feeds his All-Star-caliber wings Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

The bottom line is I see both offenses executing and hoops fans being treated to an awesome game.

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Geoff Clark on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]