The Charlotte Hornets (12-13) stop by FedExForum Wednesday for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off against the Memphis Grizzlies (9-10). Below, we analyze the Hornets-Grizzlies NBA odds and lines, with picks and predictions.
Charlotte followed a two-game losing skid with back-to-back wins over the Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets entering Wednesday. Over their past four games, the Hornets have the fifth-highest rebounding percentage and ninth-highest net rating.
The Grizzlies have lost four in a row following a seven-game winning streak spanning Jan. 8 to Feb. 1 and included a 12-day layoff due to COVID-19 issues. A plethora of injury and COVID-related absences for Memphis is a major contributor to its recent performance.
Memphis clobbered Charlotte 108-93 as a 4-point road underdog earlier this season to give the Grizzlies their third straight victory over the Hornets. They also covered the spread in each of those wins.
Hornets at Grizzlies: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Hornets +155 (bet $100 to win $155) | Grizzlies -175 (bet $175 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Hornets +3.5 (-110) | Grizzlies -3.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 223.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Hornets at Grizzlies: Key injuries
Hornets
- PG Devonte’ Graham (groin) out
Grizzlies
- PG De’Anthony Melton (shoulder) out
- PF Brandon Clarke (calf) out
- PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
- SF Justise Winslow (hip) out
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Hornets at Grizzlies: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Hornets 118, Grizzlies 109
Money line (ML)
The Hornets have played pretty well over the past couple of weeks and their offense is humming coming into Wednesday. A big reason for the improvement in the offense is rookie PG LaMelo Ball has been sensational since being inserted into the starting lineup five games ago.
Ball is averaging 22.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game over that span. As a team, Charlotte is sixth in rebounding percentage, ninth in assist to turnover ratio and 10th in offensive rating in the last five games. Also, the injury to Grizzlies combo guard Melton is a major blow to Memphis. Melton has the highest on-off court net rating on the team (plus-20.2).
The bottom line is Memphis has too many missing pieces and Charlotte is trending up. BET HORNETS (+125) for a half-unit.
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Against the spread (ATS)
Definitely TAKE HORNETS +3.5 (-110) for insurance on the money line wager. Ultimately, Charlotte matches up really well against Memphis.
According to CleaningTheGlass.com, Memphis shoots the fifth-highest volume of mid-range shots and connects at the sixth-highest clip but Charlotte holds opponent’s to the ninth-lowest field goal percentage on mid-range attempts. While the Grizzlies do a good job protecting the rim, they are 27th in 3-point defense and the Hornets are ninth in 3-point percentage.
Over/Under (O/U)
OVER 223.5 (-110) is the play because of all the Over-friendly trends and how these teams match up stylistically. The Grizzlies have a 5-1 O/U record and the Hornets are 4-2 O/U over their last six.
Charlotte’s previous two games went Under the projected total but the Hornets put up 119 points in both games so they did their part. Also, the Over has cashed in five of the last seven Hornets-Grizzlies games.
It’s a fairly obvious play so I won’t hit it too hard, but I’ll BET OVER 223.5 (-115) for a half-unit.
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:
- LaMelo Ball sets career high, ties franchise record for 3-pointers in blowout win over Rockets (Lonzo Wire)
- Hoops Hype rumors: Hornets | Grizzlies
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