The Charlotte Hornets (10-29) battle the Milwaukee Bucks (25-13) Friday. Tip from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee is set for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Hornets at Bucks odds, and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.
The Hornets lost to the Memphis Grizzlies 131-107 at home Wednesday, failing to cover as 7.5-point underdogs. Charlotte is just 16-20-3 against the spread (ATS) on the season. It has failed to cover its last 3 games, but is 4-5-1 ATS in its last 10. Charlotte’s main weakness is offensive efficiency, ranking 29th in FG percentage (44.4%) and 30th in 3-point FG percentage (32.1%).
The Bucks beat the Raptors 104-101 on Wednesday, covering as 5.5-point road underdogs. The Bucks are a strong 16-4 straight up at home and have covered 3 of their last 4. They are just 5-5 ATS in their last 10. Milwaukee’s strength is defense, sitting 2nd in the NBA in opponents’ FG percentage (45.1%).
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Hornets at Bucks odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Hornets +380 (bet $100 to win $380) | Bucks -480 (bet $480 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +10.5 (-118) | Bucks -10.5 (-102)
- Over/Under (O/U): 232.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Catch the excitement and bet with Tipico
Double Down, Ohio! Deposit $200, Get $250. Bet now!
In Colorado and New Jersey, claim your 100% Deposit Match up to $250 now. Bet now! 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions.
Hornets at Bucks key injuries
Hornets
- F Gordon Hayward (hamstring) doubtful
- G Kelly Oubre Jr. (hand) out
Bucks
- F Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) probable
- G Jrue Holiday (illness) probable
- G Khris Middleton (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Bucks picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 120, Hornets 107
Moneyline
PASS.
The Bucks should and likely will win, but at (-480), they have no value to outright come out on top.
Against the spread
BET BUCKS -10.5 (-102).
Milwaukee has covered 3 of its last 4 and is 2-1 ATS as a double-digit favorite at home. It is the far better team and, with Holiday, one of the league’s best on-ball defensive guards, likely to play, the Hornets’ main option, G LaMelo Ball, should be neutralized.
The Hornets rank last in effective FG percentage, so they aren’t going to be able to keep themselves in the game against a thriving Milwaukee defense.
The season-long trends, Charlotte 16-20-3 ATS and Milwaukee 20-16-2 ATS, point to the Bucks being a better play as well. The Hornets have lost 3 in a row, 2 of which were by at least 17 points.
Ultimately, considering the trends and styles of these teams, back the BUCKS -10.5 (-102).
Over/Under
LEAN UNDER 232.5 (-112).
The Bucks and Raptors combined for 25 points in the 1st quarter with an ending 1st-quarter score of 13-12. Milwaukee’s last game didn’t hit the Over even with overtime.
The Bucks are 19-19 O/U with the Hornets 19-19-1 O/U. Milwaukee has gone Under in 2 of its last 3 while Charlotte has gone Under in 5 of its last 6. The Bucks rock-solid defense should limit what Charlotte can do enough to make the Under the better play.
Charlotte has scored 107 or less in 2 of last 3 and 3 of its last 5. Without Middleton, the Bucks offense also won’t be what it should be come playoff time. Back the UNDER 232.5 (-112).
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 OH, 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 @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NBA coverage:
HoopsHype | Bulls Wire | Celtics Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | LeBron Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1368]