Charlotte Hornets odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line – Page 2

Portland Trail Blazers at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Portland Trail Blazers at Charlotte Hornets odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Portland Trail Blazers (7-3) will travel to take on the Charlotte Hornets (3-8) on Wednesday at the Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Trail Blazers vs. Hornets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Trail Blazers got a game-winning 3-point shot from F Josh Hart in Monday’s 110-107 win over the Miami Heat to help cover as 5-point underdogs. Portland G Damian Lillard returned to the lineup on Monday following a 4-game absence due to a calf injury.

The Hornets are on a 5-game losing streak following a surprising 120-113 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors on Oct. 29 when they covered as 10.5-point underdogs. Charlotte’s latest loss was a 108-100 defeat to the Washington Wizards on Monday as they failed to cover as 2-point favorites at home.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Trail Blazers at Hornets odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday at 7:59 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Trail Blazers -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Hornets +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
Against the spread (ATS): Trail Blazers -5.5 (-101) | Hornets +5.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 219.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Trail Blazers at Hornets key injuries

Trail Blazers

F Jerami Grant (ankle) probable
F Keon Johnson (hip) questionable
G Damian Lillard (calf) probable
C Jusuf Nurkic (adductor) probable
G Anfernee Simons (foot) probable
F Justise Winslow (ankle) probable

Hornets

G LaMelo Ball (ankle) out
F Gordon Hayward (shoulder) out
F Cody Martin (quad) doubtful

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Trail Blazers at Hornets picks and predictions

Prediction

Trail Blazers 116, Hornets 108

Moneyline

Just go ahead and PASS on the moneyline in this game with the Trail Blazers being favored on the road. Taking Portland straight up isn’t worth the risk considering the return you would receive if they come away with a win.

Against the spread

TRAIL BLAZERS -5.5 (-101) is where I’m leaning in this game with Portland having Lillard back in the lineup. The Trail Blazers have a bevy of injuries, but most of them are probable to play on Wednesday.

The Hornets are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 meetings against the Hornets.

Over/Under

With the Trail Blazers having Lillard back, OVER 219.5 (-112) is an enticing wager in this game. The Hornets struggle on the defensive end, so there should be plenty of points scored in this contest.

The Over is 5-1-1 in the last 7 meetings between the Trail Blazers and the Hornets.

Want action on this NBA game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eq1p3s07j97xvjxr player_id=none image=https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Follow Skyler Carlin on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Washington Wizards at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

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

The Washington Wizards (4-6) will travel to take on the Charlotte Hornets (3-7) Monday at the Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Wizards vs. Hornets odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

The Wizards have lost 5 of their last 6 games after starting the season 3-1. Washington’s latest loss was 103-97 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, though the Wizards covered as 9.5-point underdogs on the road.

The Hornets are currently on a 4-game losing streak entering Monday’s matchup with the Wizards. Charlotte lost to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday 98-94, allowing the Hornets to push as 4-point underdogs at home.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Wizards at Hornets odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:11 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Wizards +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Hornets -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Wizards +2.5 (-115) | Hornets -2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 217.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!

Wizards at Hornets key injuries

Wizards

Not yet submitted

Hornets

G LaMelo Ball (ankle) out
F Gordon Hayward (shoulder) out
F Cody Martin (quad) doubtful
G Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) questionable

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

Wizards at Hornets picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 108, Wizards 103

Moneyline

With the Wizards not having G Bradley Beal available due to him being in the health and safety protocols, give me HORNETS (-135) at home. Meanwhile, G Terry Rozier returned for Charlotte in the team’s last game and Washington has struggled against guards this season.

Against the spread

HORNETS -2.5 (-105) is where I’m leaning in this game with Charlotte just needing to win by one 3-pointer to cover the spread. This spread could slightly change if Smith can suit up for the Hornets on Monday.

The Wizards are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following an ATS win and they are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 meetings against the Hornets in Charlotte. Washington is also 1-6 ATS in its last 7 meetings with Charlotte.

Over/Under

With each team missing core players, I’ll take UNDER 217.5 (-112) for this game. The Wizards went Under by 24 points in Sunday’s matchup against the Grizzlies without Beal while the Hornets went Under by 31 points in their last game against the Nets.

The Under is 6-1-1 in Charlotte’s last 8 home games. On top of that, the Under is 5-0 in the last 5 meetings in Charlotte and the Under is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings overall between the Wizards and the Hornets.

Want action on this NBA game or any other matchups? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Skyler Carlin on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]

Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Philadelphia 76ers and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (22-19) head to the City of Brotherly Love Wednesday to play the Philadelphia 76ers (23-16) at Wells Fargo Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. 76ers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Charlotte won both games of a back-to-back set with the reigning champion Milwaukee Bucks Saturday and Monday, both at home. The Hornets won as 1.5-point favorites first and then again as 2.5-point underdogs.

The Hornets are 4-2 straight-up (SU), 4-2 ATS and 2-4 O/U with the 12th-best adjusted net rating at plus-2.2 points per 100 possessions over the last two weeks, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Philly has won eight of its last nine games (7-2 ATS) and the last four victories have been by double digits.

The Sixers have the second-best adjusted net rating at plus-14.5 points per 100 possessions and the fourth-best spread differential at a plus-6.8 ATS margin in the last 14 days, per CTG.

The Sixers have beaten the Hornets in 16 consecutive meetings including their first two this season, which were back-to-back games in Charlotte Dec. 6 and 8. However, the Hornets covered both games and were missing guards LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier.

Hornets at 76ers 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 6:25 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | 76ers -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +5.5 (-107) | 76ers -5.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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

Hornets at 76ers key injuries

Hornets

SF Kelly Oubre (health and safety protocols) out

76ers

SF Tobias Harris (shoulder) probable
SG Seth Curry (ankle) questionable
SG Shake Milton (back) out

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!

Hornets at 76ers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

76ers 120, Hornets 110

Money line

PASS ON THE MONEY LINE.

I’m confident enough in Philly that I’d rather lay the points than pay the extra vig with the 76ers (-230).

Against the spread

BET the 76ERS -5.5 (-115) for 1 unit based on several reasons.

Sixers big Joel Embiid has manhandled the Hornets throughout his career. Embiid is averaging 27.1 points on 64.8% true shooting (.533/.341/.822) and 12.3 rebounds with a plus-17 net rating in 13 career games versus Charlotte. He’s never lost to the Hornets.

The Sixers also put a hurting on bad defenses. Philly is 15-3 SU versus teams with a bottom-10 adjusted defensive rating with the third-best adjusted net rating at plus-10.2 points per 100 possessions and the fifth-best ATS margin (CTG).

Curry, Harris and Embiid like to operate in the mid-range. Philadelphia attempts the fifth-highest percentage of mid-range jumpers in the NBA while the Hornets have the second-worst defensive field goal percentage versus mid-range shots, per CTG.

Finally, the Hornets have gotten smacked around by good teams. Charlotte is 5-11 SU against teams in the top-10 of adjusted net rating. Charlotte ranks 20th in adjusted net rating at minus-6.7 points per 100 possessions and 19th in ATS margin (CTG) against those top-10 teams.

BET 76ERS -5.5 (-115).

Over/Under

PASS ON THE TOTAL with a slight “lean” to the Over 226.5 (-110) because Charlotte has one of the worst defenses in the Association and the Over is 7-1-1 in the last nine Hornets-76ers meetings.

However, the situational trends for both teams point in opposite directions and the Hornets play at the second-fastest pace while the Sixers play at the fourth-slowest pace.

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]

Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (21-19) host the Milwaukee Bucks (26-16) for the second game of their back-to-back set Monday at Spectrum Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

The Hornets won the first of their back-to-back versus the Bucks 114-106 as 1.5-point favorites Saturday. It was Charlotte’s second straight victory and Milwaukee’s third loss in its last four games.

The Hornets are 4-2 straight-up (SU), 4-2 ATS and 2-4 O/U over the last two weeks with the 10th-best adjusted net rating at plus-4.8 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

The Bucks have the eighth-best adjusted net rating at plus-6.0 points per 100 possessions across that same span, per CTG.

The Bucks-Hornets head-to-head series is tied at 1-1 SU this season but Charlotte has covered both games.

Bucks 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 11:40 a.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks -135 (bet $135 to win $100) | Hornets +110 (bet $100 to win $110)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -2.5 (-107) | Hornets +2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -107 | U: -115)

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

Bucks at Hornets key injuries

Bucks

SG Pat Connaughton (health and safety protocols) questionable
PG Jrue Holiday (ankle) out
SG George Hill (health and safety protocols) out
SG Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) out

Hornets

None.

Bucks at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 118, Bucks 112

Money line

SPRINKLE on the HORNETS (+110) with the plan of betting more on their spread because they match up very well against the Bucks.

Milwaukee allows its opponents to attempt the most 3-pointers per game in the NBA and Charlotte has the second-best 3-point shooting percentage.

The Hornets also have a lot more depth currently than this banged-up Bucks roster. Milwaukee is still missing two of its top-three players by adjusted on/off net rating in Holiday and Hill (CTG).

On top of that, Charlotte’s bench averages 35.9 points per game (PPG) while Milwaukee’s bench averages 27.9 PPG, which is the third-worst mark in the NBA.

Milwaukee got awesome performances out of All-Stars F Giannis Antetokounmpo (43 points on 55.0% shooting) and G Khris Middleton (27 points on 52.9% shooting) Saturday but got little help from their teammates — the Hornets bench outscored the Bucks bench 33-5.

Since role players perform better at home and Milwaukee allows opponents to chuck 3-pointers, which is Charlotte’s wheelhouse, I don’t see this Hornets-Bucks contest playing out much differently than the last one.

SPRINKLE on the HORNETS (+110).

Against the spread

BET the HORNETS +2.5 (-115) heavier than — or instead of — their money line because this is a better spot for Charlotte.

The Hornets are 8-1 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record and 6-1 ATS in their last seven meetings with the Bucks. These ATS trends are applicable here since this game is priced as a coin-flip.

The HORNETS +2.5 (-115) is my favorite wager in this game.

Over/Under

PASS since Saturday’s Bucks-Hornets meeting went 15.5 points below the total (235.5), which is just shy of this game’s total. Apparently, the oddsmakers aren’t overreacting to Saturday’s result.

For what it’s worth, I “lean” to the Under 236.5 (-115) since the Bucks are still missing some firepower and the Hornets are 2-6 O/U over their last eight games.

However, Both teams play at a top-10 pace and I’m nervous about Milwaukee allowing Charlotte to hoist 3-pointers.

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]

Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Milwaukee Bucks (26-15) play the second of a back-to-back Saturday versus the Charlotte Hornets (20-19) at Spectrum Center. The tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Bucks vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

A banged-up Milwaukee team broke out of its two-game slump by whooping the Brooklyn Nets last night (Friday) 121-109 as 4.5-point road underdogs.

Over the past two weeks, the Bucks are 5-2 straight-up (SU), 4-3 ATS and 5-2 O/U with the fourth-best adjusted net rating at plus-8.1 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Charlotte also busted a two-game losing skid in its last game when the Hornets (-10.5) beat the brakes off the Detroit Pistons 140-111 Wednesday.

In the last 14 days, the Hornets are 3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS and 2-3 O/U with the 13th-best adjusted net rating at plus-3.8 points per 100 possessions, per CTG.

The Bucks beat the Hornets in Milwaukee in a 127-125 shootout Dec. 1 but Charlotte easily covered as 9-point road underdogs. Also, the Hornets have covered five of their last six meetings with the Bucks.

Bucks 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 2:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Bucks +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Hornets -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks +1.5 (-110) | Hornets -1.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 234.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)

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

Bucks at Hornets key injuries

Bucks

PG Jrue Holiday (health and safety protocols) out
SG Pat Connaughton (health and safety protocols) out
SG Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
SG George Hill (health and safety protocols) out
SG Grayson Allen (health and safety protocols) out

Hornets

None.

Bucks at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 121, Bucks 115

Money line

TAKE the HORNETS (-120) for 1 unit because they’ve played well against the Bucks (+100) recently and are 4-1 SU as a home favorite with a plus-15.6 scoring margin.

Furthermore, Charlotte has covered 10 of their last 11 home games and four straight as a home favorite. While Milwaukee is an NBA’s worst 7-14 ATS on the second of a back-to-back since the start of last season. These ATS trends are applicable because this game is priced as a coin-flip.

Also, Hornets’ second-year PG LaMelo Ball is averaging 31.5 points per on 83.5% true shooting (.625/.556/1.000) and 9.0 assists per in his two career games against Milwaukee.

Ball should have an easier getting himself and his teammates good looks because one of the best perimeter defenders in the Association, Bucks PG Jrue Holiday, is sidelined on the health and safety protocols list.

Lastly, the Hornets have been hit by sharp money since Charlotte opened at -107 (according to Pregame.com) and has been steamed up to the current price.

BET 1 unit on the HORNETS (-120).

Against the spread

PASS since Charlotte’s money line is only 10 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Hornets -1.5 (-110). Don’t be cheap if you’re following me here and just take Charlotte SU.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 234.5 (-115) for a small wager, if at all, because I much prefer the Charlotte side more so than the total.

That said, the Over has cashed in three of the past four Bucks-Hornets meetings. Milwaukee is 5-2 O/U in its past seven games and Charlotte is 9-5-1 O/U at home.

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 Washington Wizards odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (19-18) head to the nation’s capital Monday for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off against the Washington Wizards (18-18) at Capital One Arena. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Wizards odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

This is the second of a back-to-back for Charlotte who lost to the Phoenix Suns 133-99 as a 1.5-point underdog Sunday.

The Hornets are 3-3 straight-up (SU), 4-2 ATS and 1-5 O/U in the last 14 days with the 23rd-ranked non-garbage time net rating at minus-6.4 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Washington lost but covered in a 120-119 heartbreaker to the Chicago Bulls Saturday thanks to a Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.

The Wizards are 2-3 SU, 4-1 ATS and 4-1 O/U over the last two weeks with the 16th-ranked adjusted net rating at plus-0.1 points per 100 possessions (CTG).

Hornets at Wizards 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 11:50 a.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Wizards -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +1.5 (-105) | Wizards -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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

Hornets at Wizards key injuries

Hornets (not officially submitted)

PF P.J. Washington (reconditioning) probable

Wizards

PG Spencer Dinwiddie (health and safety protocols) out
PF Montrezl Harrell (health and safety protocols) out
PG Aaron Holiday (health and safety protocols) out
PF Rui Hachimura (health and safety protocols) out
PG Raul Neto (health and safety protocols) out

Hornets at Wizards odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 116, Hornets 110

Money line

“LEAN” to the WIZARDS (-130) because the Hornets cannot play any defense and this is a better spot for Washington who has covered five of its last six games, including three straight.

The Wizards rank sixth in field goal percentage and the Hornets have the fifth-worst defensive field goal percentage and the fourth-worst non-garbage time defense rating (CTG).

Washington also performs well at home and against good teams. The Wizards are 10-5 ATS at home and 6-3 ATS at home versus teams with a winning record.

Furthermore, Charlotte is 0-7 SU and 2-5 ATS on the second of a back-to-back with a minus-3.1 ATS margin. While this is technically the “money line” section, these ATS trends are applicable since this game is priced as a coin-flip.

My hesitation with betting the WIZARDS (-130) heavier in this spot is the Hornets are the far healthier team and Charlotte is 5-0 ATS in the last five games against Washington.

Against the spread

PASS since Washington’s money line is only 10 cents on the dollar more expensive than the Wizards -1.5 (-120) so there’d be no use in laying the points in the first place.

Over/Under

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Under 231.5 (-112) since the Under has cashed in five consecutive Hornets-Wizards meetings. However, Charlotte is 5-2 O/U with a plus-19.9 total margin when playing on zero rest days and has gone Under the total in five straight 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]

Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Sunday’s Phoenix Suns at Charlotte Hornets and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (19-17) host the Phoenix Suns (27-8) Sunday at the Spectrum Center for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Suns vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Phoenix has lost three of its past four games (1-3 against the spread), including the most recent 123-108 at the Boston Celtics as 3.5-point road favorites Friday.

The Suns are 4-3 straight-up (SU), 3-4 ATS and 5-2 Over/Under over the past two weeks with the seventh-best non-garbage time net rating at plus-7.7 points per 100 possessions, according to CleaningTheGlass.com.

Charlotte enters on a three-game winning streak (3-0 ATS). The Hornets won at the Denver Nuggets 115-107 Dec. 23, at home vs. the Houston Rockets 123-99 Monday and at the Indiana Pacers 116-108 Wednesday.

In the last 14 days, the Hornets are 3-2 SU, 4-1 ATS and 1-4 O/U with the 19th-ranked non-garbage time net rating at minus-0.6 points per 100 possessions.

The Suns (-8) beat the brakes off of the Hornets 137-106 in their first regular-season meeting Dec. 19 and the Over cashed on a 232-point total.

Suns 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 2:02 p.m. ET.

Money line: Suns -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Hornets +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
Against the spread (ATS): Suns -2.5 (-112) | Hornets +2.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 231.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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

Suns at Hornets key injuries

Suns

C Deandre Ayton (health and safety protocols) out
PF Jae Crowder (health and safety protocols) out
C JaVale McGee (health and safety protocols) out

Hornets

SF Miles Bridges (return to action reconditioning) questionable
PF P.J. Washington (reconditioning) questionable

Suns at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 119, Suns 116

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” to the Hornets (+115) because I like Charlotte plus the points in this spot, but the money line payout isn’t fat enough to take a shot at the Hornets winning outright.

According to Pregame.com, there’s significant reverse line movement in Charlotte’s direction as roughly 80% of the action is on Phoenix’s money line, but the Hornets are losing value. It’s a red flag whenever sportsbooks make the more popular side cheaper.

Against the spread

BET HORNETS +2.5 (-108) for 1 unit since this line is suspiciously low considering how badly Phoenix beat Charlotte a couple of weeks back. However, it makes more sense when looking at the injury report for the Suns.

Ayton and McGee combined for 34 points on 75.0% shooting (15-for-20), 22 rebounds and 4 blocks vs. the Hornets Dec. 19 and Crowder scored 14 points on 95.6% true shooting (.667/.750/1.000). The absence of these three Suns is important since Phoenix is cheap in this spot.

Furthermore, the line movement suggests that the Hornets should be getting Bridges and/or Washington back for this game.

According to Pregame.com, this is a Pros vs. Joe’s game with the presumed sharp money backing Charlotte, but more bets have been placed on Phoenix. Typically in sports betting, it’s profitable to follow the money especially when it’s flowing in the opposite direction as the public.

Also, the Hornets have covered four straight games and have played really well in Charlotte this season. The Hornets are 9-4 at home with the 10th-best adjusted net rating at plus-4.9 points per 100 possessions and the third-best spread differential at a plus-5.6 ATS margin.

BET HORNETS +2.5 (-108).

Over/Under

“LEAN” to the OVER 231.5 (-110) for a one-third unit only because I much prefer Charlotte plus the points more than the total in this game.

Both teams play at a top-five pace (Charlotte ranks second, Phoenix is fifth) and are top-five in effective field-goal shooting (Phoenix ranks fourth, Charlotte is fifth).

Also, the Suns get out in transition more often when their bigs are off the floor, Phoenix is 4-0 O/U in its last four vs. teams with a winning record and Charlotte is 3-0-1 O/U in its last four as a home underdog.

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 Indiana Pacers odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Wednesday’s Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Indiana Pacers (14-20) host the Charlotte Hornets (18-17) Wednesday at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse for a 7 p.m. ET tip-off. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Pacers odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Charlotte has won back-to-back games over the Denver Nuggets 115-107 Thursday and the Houston Rockets 123-99 Monday.

Over the past two weeks, the Hornets are 3-3 straight-up (SU), 4-2 ATS and 3-3 O/U with the 18th-ranked adjusted net rating (plus-0.5 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Indiana has alternated between winning and losing its past five games with the latest being a 113-105 loss at the Chicago Bulls Sunday.

The Pacers are 2-3 SU, 1-4 ATS and 3-2 O/U in the last 14 days with the 22nd-ranked adjusted net rating (minus-6.1 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

The Hornets have won and covered their first two games this season against the Pacers and the Over has cashed in three straight Hornets-Pacers meetings.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA December 29 breakdown

Hornets at Pacers 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 2:10 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Pacers -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +3.5 (-112) | Pacers -3.5 (-108)
Over/Under (O/U): 228.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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

Hornets at Pacers key injuries

Hornets

PF P.J. Washington (health and safety protocols) out
SF Miles Bridges (health and safety protocols) out

Pacers

PG Malcolm Brogdon (Achilles) questionable

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!

Hornets at Pacers odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Pacers 120, Hornets 110

Money line

Slight “LEAN” to the PACERS (-155) only because I’m confident enough in Indiana to lay the points instead of spending exorbitantly for the money line.

However, the Pacers have outscored the Hornets in five of the eight quarters they’ve played this season. Plus Indiana held an edge in three of the “four factors” in its second game with Charlotte and split the “four factors” in the first.

Furthermore, the Pacers actually have a higher adjusted net rating than the Hornets; and Indiana has the highest win differential at -4.5 (CTG), which essentially states that the Pacers should have 4.5 additional wins.

I like the PACERS (-155) to prevent getting swept this season by a Hornets (+125) team that is not better than them.

Against the spread

BET 1 unit on the PACERS -3.5 (-108) as my favorite bet in this game because they play much better at home than on the road.

For instance, Indiana is 11-7 SU at home with the eighth-best adjusted net rating at plus-6.1 points per 100 possessions and the eighth-best ATS margin (CTG).

On the other hand, the Hornets struggle on the road: Charlotte is 9-13 SU in away games with the 19th-ranked adjusted net rating at minus-3.0 points per 100 possessions and the 19th-ranked ATS margin (CTG).

Also, Indiana is a much better rebounding team than Charlotte. In fact, the Pacers have a plus-2.8 rebound-per-game margin while the Hornets have a minus-4.7 rebound-per-game margin.

GIMME the PACERS -3.5 (-108).

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the OVER 228.5 (-110) since Indiana has several Under-friendly trends, Charlotte has played to the Over at the highest rate in the NBA, the past three Hornets-Pacers games have gone Over the total and there’s been a sharp line move towards the Over.

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]

Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Monday’s Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics odds and lines, with NBA expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Philadelphia 76ers (15-15) visit Beantown Monday for a 7:30 p.m. ET game against the Boston Celtics (15-15) at TD Garden. Below, we look at the 76ers vs. Celtics odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Philly is in the midst of a three-game losing skid with the latest being a 114-105 loss at the Brooklyn Nets Thursday. The Sixers’ game versus the New Orleans Pelicans Sunday was postponed due to a COVID outbreak within the Philly organization.

The Sixers are 3-4 straight-up (SU), 1-6 ATS and 3-3-1 O/U over the last two weeks with the 25th-ranked non-garbage time efficiency differential (minus-6.1 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Boston handled business against the New York Knicks at home 114-107 Saturday as a 6-point favorite. The Celtics are 2-4 SU, 2-3-1 ATS and 3-3 O/U over the last 14 days with the 23rd-ranked non-garbage time net rating (minus-5.1 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

Philly has covered four straight regular-season games against Boston but the Celtics won their first meeting this season 88-87 Dec. 1 as 3-point home favorites. Boston wing Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 26 points on 9-of-20 shooting and added a team-high 16 rebounds.

76ers 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 3:21 p.m. ET.

Money line: 76ers +130 (bet $100 to win $130) | Celtics -160 (bet $160 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): 76ers +3.5 (-110) | Celtics -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): Off the Board (OTB)

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

76ers at Celtics key injuries

76ers

C Joel Embiid (ankle) questionable
SG Danny Green (hip) questionable
SF Furkan Korkmaz (illness) questionable
PG Tyrese Maxey (quadriceps) questionable
C Andre Drummond (health and safety protocols) out
PG Shake Milton (health and safety protocols) out
PF Georges Niang (health and safety protocols) out

Celtics

SF Romeo Langford (neck) questionable
PG Dennis Schroder (illness) questionable
SF Jayson Tatum (ankle) questionable
C Al Horford (health and safety protocols) out
SG Josh Richardson (health and safety protocols) out
PF Grant Williams (health and safety protocols) out

76ers at Celtics odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Celtics 112, 76ers 104

Money line

PASS with a slight “lean” to the Celtics (-160) since I “lean” to Boston laying the points. However, it’s impossible to lay it with the Celtics until seeing the final injury reports.

Against the spread

“LEAN” to the CELTICS -3.5 (-110) for a small wager because we are still in the dark as to who exactly will be playing in this game.

However, the 76ers are dealing with injury and COVID-related issues whereas Boston at least expects to have both All-Stars (Tatum and G Jaylen Brown) in the lineup.

The Celtics are also playing a little better recently, winning two of their last three games (2-0-1 ATS) while the Sixers have lost three straight and failed to cover in six of their last seven games.

Over/Under

The total was OTB at the time of publishing. You might not see a total until closer to game time when there’s more clarity on who’s available to play.

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 Phoenix Suns odds, picks and prediction

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

The Charlotte Hornets (16-15) meet the Phoenix Suns (23-5) Sunday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off at Footprint Center. Below, we look at the Hornets vs. Suns odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

Charlotte has alternated between winning and losing over the past five games with the latest being a 125-116 loss at the Portland Trail Blazers Friday.

Over the past two weeks, the Hornets are 3-4 straight-up (SU), 5-2 ATS and 5-1-1 O/U with the 16th-ranked net rating (minus-2.0 points per 100 possessions), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG).

Phoenix has won back-to-back games vs. the Trail Blazers 111-107 Tuesday and the Washington Wizards 118-98 Thursday. The Suns are 4-1 SU, 3-2 ATS and 1-1-3 O/U with the fourth-best efficiency differential (plus-10.0 points per 100 possessions), per CTG.

These teams split both meetings last season with the road team winning each game but Charlotte was 2-0 ATS in those contests and either side of the total cashed.

Hornets at Suns 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 12:30 p.m. ET.

Money line: Hornets +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Suns -360 (bet $360 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +7.5 (-110) | Suns -7.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 230.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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

Hornets at Suns key injuries

Hornets

None.

Suns

SG Devin Booker (hamstring) questionable

Hornets at Suns odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Suns 116, Hornets 112

Money line

PASS with a heavy “lean” to the Hornets (+270) because I like Charlotte plus the points in this game. However, the Suns (-360) are 13-2 SU at home this season with the third-best non-garbage time net rating and could be getting back leading scorer and All-Star Devin Booker.

Also, if Booker returns to action for this game then Charlotte’s money line would certainly increase so it would be best to wait until the final injury reports are released before getting down on this game.

Against the spread

BET the HORNETS +7.5 (-110) because Charlotte’s offense got cooking in LaMelo Ball‘s first game back after a slow start in its game against Portland Friday.

The Hornets put up 31 points in quarters 1-3 vs. the Trail Blazers and would’ve won that game had Charlotte not lost the first quarter, 41-24.

Furthermore, the Hornets just match up very well with the Suns. Charlotte has an edge on the wing, Phoenix has the edge in the frontcourt, and I’d call it a draw in the backcourt.

Moreover, the two Hornets-Suns games last season were decided by four and three points and Charlotte has covered five of its past six meetings with Phoenix.

Over/Under

Slight “LEAN” to the UNDER 230.5 (-108) for a tiny wager, if at all, because I think it’ll be the contrarian play and the Suns are 0-7 O/U with a minus-11.2 margin on the total when playing with 2-3 days of rest.

That said, I do think both offenses have success in this matchup, and Charlotte has one of the most potent offenses in the league now that Ball is back in the lineup.

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]