Hornets Hawks betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

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The Charlotte Hornets (1-0) and Atlanta Hawks (1-0) meet Friday at State Farm Arena with tip-off set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Hawks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Charlotte won 3-1 last season

The Hornets started their season with a bang, defeating the Houston Rockets 110-105 as 8-point road underdogs Wednesday as the Under (230) hit.

G LaMelo Ball led the way for Charlotte with a standout performance, racking up 34 points, 11 assists, and 8 rebounds. G Tre Mann provided a spark off the bench, contributing 24 points and 6 rebounds. With their impressive backcourt play, the Hornets set a strong tone for the rest of the season.

The Hawks started their season with a 120-116 win over the Brooklyn Nets at home Wednesday. Atlanta failed to cover as a 7-point favorite, and the Over (224) cashed.

G Trae Young led the Hawks with a stellar performance, recording 30 points, 12 assists, and 5 rebounds. He received significant support from F Onyeka Okongwu, who added 28 points while shooting an impressive 11-of-12 from the field. The strong offensive showing helped Atlanta secure a victory in its season opener.

Hornets at Hawks odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NBA odds. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:34 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hornets +170 (bet $100 to win $170) | Hawks -210 (bet $210 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +5.5 (-115) | Hawks -5.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 229.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Hornets at Hawks key injuries

Hornets

G Josh Green (Achilles) questionable
F Brandon Miller (hip) out
F Tidjane Salaun (finger) questionable
C Mark Williams (foot) out

Hawks

G Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring) out
G Kobe Bufkin (shoulder) doubtful
C Cody Zeller (undisclosed) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Hornets at Hawks picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 112, Hawks 108

Moneyline

BET HORNETS (+170).

Backing the Hornets on the moneyline against the Hawks is a great value play in what should be a closer game than the spread suggests. Despite being an underdog, Charlotte has had the upper hand in recent matchups, winning and covering 5 of the last 6 meetings, including 2 of the last 3 in Atlanta. Coming off an impressive road win as bigger underdogs, the Hornets have momentum on their side.

This matchup also features a showdown between 2 top-tier point guards in Ball and Young. Charlotte’s ability to shoot from deep — hitting 38.5% from 3-point range in its opener — could be a deciding factor, especially with the Hawks missing Bogdanovic, who was a key offensive piece last season. Without Bogdanovic’s scoring and outside shooting, the Hawks may struggle to keep pace. With favorable odds and a strong recent history, Charlotte has a great chance to pull off the upset.

Against the spread

PASS.

If you’d rather play it safe and take the 5.5 points with the Hornets, that’s fair, but I’d rather get the bigger payday with those plus odds on the moneyline.

Over/Under

BET UNDER 229.5 (-110).

The Under is a smart play with the total set a bit higher than I’d like. A more reasonable number would be in the low 220s, making this an opportunity to take the Under. Charlotte’s offense struggled last season, averaging just 106 points per game, which ranked 3rd-lowest in the league, and it put up just 110 points in its season opener.

The Hornets also play at a slower pace, averaging only 100 possessions per game last season, the 8th-lowest in the NBA. Their preference for a controlled tempo could help keep scoring in check against the Hawks. Recent history between these teams suggests a tight contest as well, with the total split 2-2 over the last 4 head-to-head matchups. With Charlotte’s deliberate style of play and limited offensive firepower, the Under is the better bet for this matchup.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Tag: Hornets Hawks betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and predictions