NBA Best Bets – Syndication Server

NBA slot machine: Fred VanVleet could be next in line to rack up assists against Cleveland

Fred VanVleet’s assist prop could be a good bet at home against the Cavs.

You’ve heard of slot machines, the casino staple that allows players to pull a lever or push a button for a random assortment of usually three symbols that sometimes combine for a prize. This is the sports betting version of that, three random bets that may hit on their own but can also be combined for a larger parlay prize. These picks are my favorite from across the day’s slate of games, chosen based on a combination of likelihood and value of odds. Good luck.

Odds are provided via Tipico as of publish time

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Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers Live Stream, NBA Schedule, TV Channel, Start Time

The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the Portland Trail Blazers on Sunday afternoon which should be a fun one to watch, stream it here.

The Portland Trail Blazers have come to the bubble to make noise and create a playoff spot for themselves and they will take the next step today as they face the Philadelphia 76ers live from Orlando, Florida.

Portland is playing a back-to-back after falling to the Los Angeles Clippers yesterday afternoon while the 76ers are coming off a win after beating Orlando 108-101 on Thursday.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers

When: Sunday, Aug 9
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
TV Channel: NBA TV
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)

NBA ‘bubble’ schedule

Aug. 9

Washington Wizards vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 12:30 p.m.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Toronto Raptors, 2 p.m.
San Antonio Spurs vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 3 p.m.
Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics, 5 p.m.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Portland Trail Blazers, 6:30 p.m.
Houston Rockets vs. Sacramento Kings, 8 p.m.
Brooklyn Nets vs. Los Angeles Clippers, 9 p.m.

Aug. 10

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns, 2:30 p.m.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Utah Jazz, 3 p.m.
Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks, 6:30 p.m.
Indiana Pacers vs. Miami Heat, 8 p.m.
Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 9 p.m.

Aug. 11

Brooklyn Nets vs. Orlando Magic, 1 p.m.
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs, 2 p.m.
Phoenix Suns vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 4:30 p.m.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Dallas Mavericks, 5 p.m.
Boston Celtics vs. Memphis Grizzlies, 6:30 p.m.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Sacramento Kings, 9 p.m.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards, 9 p.m.

Aug. 12

Indiana Pacers vs. Houston Rockets, 4 p.m.
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 6:30 p.m.
Miami Heat vs. Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets, 9 p.m.

NBA Odds and Betting Lines

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds last updated Sunday at 2:20 p.m. ET.

Philadelphia 76ers (+2.5) vs. Portland Trail Blazers (-2.5)

Over/Under: 229.5 O -110 U -110

Want some action on the NBA? Place your legal sports bets on this game or others in CO, IN, NJ, and WV at BetMGM.

We recommend interesting sports viewing/streaming and betting opportunities. If you sign up for a service by clicking one of the links, we may earn a referral fee. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Wednesday’s New York Knicks at Atlanta Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Knicks (20-45) visit the Atlanta Hawks (20-46) Wednesday at State Farm Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Knicks-Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Knicks at Hawks: Key Injuries

Knicks

PF Kenny Wooten (thumb) out

Hawks

SG DeAndre’ Bembry (abdominal) out
C Clint Capela (heel) out
PF John Collins (ankle) probable
SF Treveon Graham (personal) questionable
SG Kevin Huerter (groin) probable
C Skal Labissiere (knee) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Knicks at Hawks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hawks 124, Knicks 117

Moneyline (ML)

The Knicks (+155) are coming off a 122-115 loss at the Washington Wizards Tuesday, dropping them to 3-3 across their last six games. The HAWKS (-189) beat the Charlotte Hornets 143-138 in double overtime Monday to improve to 5-5 across their last 10 outings. The Hawks are 14-19 at home, while the Knicks are just 9-23 on the road.

The season series is split 1-1 coming into Wednesday. The Knicks won 143-120 on home court Dec. 17, and the Hawks took care of business at home Feb. 9 with a 140-135 win in double overtime. Atlanta has been strong with a rest advantage this season. It’s 8-5 straight up with the advantage over its opposition while winning by an average of 1.2 points per game.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Hawks to win returns a profit of $5.30.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get better value on the hosts by backing the HAWKS (-4.5, -110) to win by at least 5 points on home court. Atlanta is just 29-35-2 ATS overall but a very strong 19-12-2 at home. New York is 34-30-1 ATS overall but just 16-15-1 on the road. Again, the rest advantage is key for the Hawks, as they’re 9-3-1 in such situations and cover by an average of 4.8 PPG.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 232.5 (-110) in this clash of Eastern Conference bottom feeders. Both meetings so far this season crushed Wednesday’s projected total, and while the second meeting went to double overtime, there were still 232 points scored in regulation. The two teams combine to score 216.8 PPG, but they allow a combined 231.5 PPG.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 208-188

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Minnesota Timberwolves (19-44) will take on the Houston Rockets (39-24) Tuesday night at Toyota Center. The opening tip is at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Timberwolves-Rockets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Timberwolves at Rockets: Key injuries

Timberwolves

C Karl-Anthony Towns (wrist) out
SF Kelan Martin (ankle) out

Rockets

SG Eric Gordon (knee) questionable
SG Ben McLemore (illness) questionable

Timberwolves at Rockets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rockets 120, Timberwolves 110

Moneyline (ML)

The Rockets (-909) have been favored by at least eight points in three of their last four games, yet they’ve lost all of them. They’ve dropped four straight overall, including two losses by at least 15 points. The Timberwolves (+600) remain one of the league’s worst teams, but they’re 2-2 in their last four games and are a respectable 11-20 on the road (compared to 8-24 at home).

The Rockets are clearly the favorites in this one, but their recent play makes me hesitant to touch the moneyline. I’d PASS on both teams.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Rockets returns a profit of $1.11.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Timberwolves are 12.5-point underdogs in this matchup, which comes as no surprise; however, the line is inflated in relation to how the Rockets have been playing. Houston is 0-4-1 ATS in its last five games and 0-4 straight up in its last four.

The Timberwolves are 3-2 ATS in their last five road games and 12.5 points is a lot for a struggling Houston team to be laying. I’m taking the TIMBERWOLVES (+12.5, -110) to cover.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is an eye-popping 246.5 points, by far the highest total of the night. It’s hard to imagine these teams getting to that number, but they both rank in the top 10 in scoring. The total has gone Over in six of the last nine games between these teams, but I’m just not confident the offenses will click enough – especially with Gordon questionable and Towns out.

Bet the UNDER 246.5 (-110) in this one and hope the Rockets’ issues continue.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Cleveland Cavaliers at Chicago Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Cleveland Cavaliers (19-45) visit the Chicago Bulls (21-43) Tuesday at United Center for an 8 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Cavaliers-Bulls sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Cavaliers at Bulls: Key Injuries

Cavaliers

PG Dante Exum (ankle) out
PG Darius Garland (groin) out
SG Kevin Porter Jr. (concussion) out
C Tristan Thompson (eye) out
SF Dylan Windler (leg) out

Bulls

PG Ryan Arcidiacono (Achilles) questionable
PG Kris Dunn (knee) out
PF Chandler Hutchison (shoulder) out
C Luke Kornet (foot) out
SG Zach LaVine (quadriceps) out
SG Max Strus (knee) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Cavaliers at Bulls: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 11 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Cavaliers 102, Bulls 97

Moneyline (ML)

The CAVALIERS (+135) are last in the Eastern Conference, but they’ve won back-to-back games over the Denver Nuggets (104-102) and San Antonio Spurs (132-129) over the weekend. The Bulls (-162) have dropped three in a row and remain a walking injury ward.

The Bulls lead the head-to-head season series 2-1, winning 118-116 and 118-106 in January, but the Cavs opened the season series with a 117-111 win in late October. The Cavs have had three different leading scorers and three different leading rebounds across their last three games. The Bulls sorely miss LaVine’s scoring upside and haven’t had a player record 10 or more rebounds in eight straight games. Back the CAVS (+135) at plus-money, despite their 8-20 road record.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Cavaliers to win returns a profit of $13.50.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Get some insurance on our ML pick by backing the CAVALIERS (+3.5, -110) on the spread, where they’ll need to stay within 3 points in a loss or win outright. Cleveland is 29-33-2 ATS overall but 15-13 on the road, while Chicago is 28-35-1 ATS overall and just 14-19 at home.

Both teams last played Sunday and Cleveland is 17-13 ATS when playing on equal rest as its opposition. Chicago is a league-worst 15-26-1 ATS in those situations.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the UNDER 215.5 (-110). The Bulls have been struggling to generate offense without LaVine and have been held below 110 points in four straight games.

The Cavs played to a point total of 261 while going to overtime Sunday against the Spurs, but they totaled just 206 points in the first half of their back-to-back against the Nuggets Saturday.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 207-186

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Tuesday’s Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors odds and matchup, with NBA betting tips, picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Clippers (43-20) travel to meet the Golden State Warriors (15-49) at Chase Center in San Francisco at 10:30 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Clippers-Warriors sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Clippers at Warriors: Key Injuries

Clippers

No major injuries to report

Warriors

PG Ky Bowman (ankle) probable
PG Steph Curry (flu) questionable
PF Draymond Green (knee) out
PF Kevon Looney (hip) out
PF Alen Smailagic (quadriceps) out
SG Klay Thompson (knee) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Clippers at Warriors: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Tuesday at 10:25 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Clippers 125, Warriors 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Clippers (-770) are heavy, heavy chalk in this one. New to sports betting? You’d have to wager $770 to win $100; that juice isn’t worth the squeeze…

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The CLIPPERS (-10.5, -121) have connected in seven of their past nine road games against the Warriors (+10.5, +100). L.A. has also covered four straight as a road favorite while hitting in five of the past seven against the spread. The Dubs are 4-1 ATS in the past five overall, but just 2-6 ATS in the past eight at home.

Over/Under (O/U)

The O/U was off the board at time of publishing. The Clippers have seen the under hit in five of the past six road games, and six of the past eight overall. The over is 8-2 in the past 10 meetings in Oakland/San Francisco, and 14-5 in the past 19 meetings overall. The Warriors allow 114.8 PPG, 23rd in the NBA.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Orlando Magic at Memphis Grizzlies sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Orlando Magic (29-35) tangle with the Memphis Grizzlies (32-32) at FedExForum at 8 p.m. ET Tuesday. We analyze the Magic-Grizzlies sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Magic at Grizzlies: Key Injuries

Magic

SF Al-Farouq Aminu (knee) out
SG Evan Fournier (elbow) out
PF Jonathan Isaac (knee) out

Grizzlies

SG Grayson Allen (hip) out
PF Brandon Clarke (quadriceps) out
PF Jaren Jackson Jr. (knee) out
SF Justise Winslow (back) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Magic at Grizzlies: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Magic 112, Grizzlies 107

Moneyline (ML)

The MAGIC (+125) are the value play in this one. These teams met back on Nov. 8 with Orlando winning by a 118-86 score. The Grizzlies (-150) look for revenge, but both teams have been hot lately, and the better value is taking Orlando at plus-money.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Magic returns a profit of $12.50 if they win. A $10 bet on the Grizzlies returns a profit of $6.70.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The MAGIC (+2.5, -106) give you a little bit of insurance if you’re feeling the Grizzlies (-2.5, -115) are going to win by a narrow margin. Orlando has covered in six straight games, and seven of the past eight games overall. The Magic are also 4-0 in their past four games as an underdog. The Grizzlies are also hot against the number, going 6-1 ATS in their past seven at home, but remember the November meeting.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total (220.5) is a risky play in this one, as the trends are skewed heavily in opposite directions. For instance, the Over is 12-3-1 in Orlando’s past 16, and 5-0 in its past five as an underdog while going 11-0-1 in the past 12 following a cover. The Under is 11-0 in the past 11 home games for Memphis, while going 6-0 in its past six overall and 5-1 in the past six as a favorite. The best course of action is to AVOID.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Milwaukee Bucks at Denver Nuggets odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Milwaukee Bucks at Denver Nuggets sports betting odds and lines, with NBA matchup analysis, picks and best bets.

The Denver Nuggets (42-21) play host to the Eastern Conference-leading Milwaukee Bucks (53-11) Monday night. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. ET at Pepsi Center. We analyze the Bucks-Nuggets odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Place a legal sports bet on this NBA action or other games at BetMGM.

Bucks at Nuggets: Key injuries

Bucks

PF Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) out

Nuggets

C Bol Bol (foot) out

Bucks at Nuggets: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:10 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Bucks 109, Nuggets 107

Moneyline (ML)

The Bucks (+180) won’t have Giannis Monday night, which does change things a bit. Had he been available, Milwaukee likely would’ve been favored; however, the Bucks will still come away with a win over the Nuggets (-222) on the road.

Eric Bledsoe and Khris Middleton will help carry the load offensively after scoring 67 combined points Sunday night. Defense is where Milwaukee could struggle, especially against Nuggets C Nikola Jokic.

The Bucks are 25-8 on the road this season, and will add another one to the win column tonight. Take the BUCKS (+180) at plus-money to upset Denver.

New to sports betting? A $10 wager on the Bucks returns a profit of $18.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Nuggets are 5.5-point favorites in this matchup, making this just the eighth time Milwaukee has been an underdog all season – and the third time in the last eight games. Both teams are only 1-4 against the spread in their last five contests, so neither has done well covering the spread.

If we’re going with the BUCKS (+5.5, -110) to win straight up, of course, we’re taking them to cover, too. They’ll need to win outright or stay within 5 points in a loss.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over/Under is 221.5 Monday night, though these teams rank on opposite ends of the spectrum offensively. Milwaukee is No. 1 in scoring, while Denver is only 20th. The Nuggets defense is eighth in the NBA, which is where they have most of their success. Milwaukee is sixth.

Antetokounmpo’s absence hurts the Bucks on both ends of the court, which will keep this game under the projected total. Bet the UNDER 221.5 (-106), though it’ll be pretty close.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Toronto Raptors at Utah Jazz odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Toronto Raptors at Utah Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Toronto Raptors (45-18) will take on the Utah Jazz (41-22) at Vivint Smart Home Arena Monday night. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET. We analyze the Raptors-Jazz sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Raptors at Jazz: Key injuries

Raptors

PG Fred VanVleet (shoulder) questionable
C Dewan Hernandez (ankle) out

Jazz

PG Nigel Williams-Goss (quadriceps) out

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Raptors at Jazz: Odds, lines, picks, and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. E.T.

Prediction

Jazz 115, Raptors 109

Moneyline (ML)

The JAZZ (-189) are home favorites over the streaking Raptors (+155) on Monday night. Toronto has won 16 of its last 20 games dating back to Jan. 12, and the Raptors have been incredible on the road this season at 22-9.

The Jazz have played well of late, as well, winning five straight games. With a home record of 21-9 this season, expect Utah to get another win Monday.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The JAZZ (-4.5, -110) will need to win by at least 5 points to cover the spread Monday, and they should. Utah’s record against the spread hasn’t been great of late, as the Jazz have failed to cover in seven of their last nine games. Toronto is in the same boat as they have covered just once in their last six games. With this relatively small spread, look for the Jazz to win and cover against the Raptors as they are playing much better basketball over the last two weeks.

Over/Under (O/U)

The total for this Monday night contest is set at 223.5, which feels high considering these are two of the best defensive clubs in the NBA. Both squads are allowing 108 or fewer points per game this season. This could be a slower-paced game. Take the UNDER 223.5 (-106) in Utah as these two teams could struggle to get to 110 points against one another.

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Marcus_Mosher and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship, and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Monday’s Charlotte Hornets at Atlanta Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The Charlotte Hornets (22-41) visit the Atlanta Hawks (19-46) Monday at State Farm Arena for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off. We analyze the Hornets-Hawks sports betting odds and lines, with NBA betting advice and tips around the matchup.

Hornets at Hawks: Key Injuries

Hornets

SG Malik Monk (suspension) out

Hawks

SG Deandre’ Bembry (abdominal) questionable
C Clint Capela (heel) out
PF John Collins (thigh) probable
SG Kevin Huerter (groin) probable
SF De’Andre Hunter (knee) questionable
C Skal Labissiere (knee) out
PG Jeff Teague (flu) questionable

Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM.

Hornets at Hawks: Odds, lines, picks and betting tips

NBA odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 9 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Hornets 118, Hawks 110

Moneyline (ML)

Two bottom-six teams in the Eastern Conference clash Monday at State Farm Arena. The HORNETS (+150) carry higher odds than they should possess against the heavily-favored Hawks (-182). The Hornets are 12-20 on the road for the season and 5-5 across their last 10 games, while the Hawks are just 13-19 on home court and 4-6 across their last 10 games overall.

Take the value given out by the books and back the healthier Hornets in what should be a toss-up game. Charlotte is coming off a 108-99 win over the Houston Rockets Saturday and recently beat the Toronto Raptors 99-96, as well. The Hawks have dropped three straight, including a 118-101 setback against the Memphis Grizzlies Saturday. The Hornets have been the better team all season, though the Hawks picked up a 122-107 win in the only head-to-head meeting to date. Still, never lay -182 odds on a last-place team.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Hornets to win returns a profit of $15.

Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The moneyline is a better and more profitable play for the visitors, but the HORNETS (+4.5, -115) should also be backed on the spread with 4 points of insurance in the event of a loss. Charlotte is 33-30 ATS overall and 17-15 ATS on the road. Atlanta is 29-35-1 ATS overall but 19-12-1 on home court. They’re 4-2-1 ATS in just seven games as a home favorite.

Both teams last played Saturday and Charlotte is 18-15 ATS when playing on equal rest as its opposition. Atlanta is just 14-22 ATS in those situations and loses by an average of 9.7 points per game.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 223.5 (-115) with the injury-riddled Hawks struggling mightily on defense of late and likely to allow the Hornets to provide the bulk of the scoring. Atlanta has given up at least 117 points in seven straight games. The Hornets haven’t scored more than 112 points in any of their last nine games, but they’ll receive a dramatic boost Monday.

Esten’s NBA betting record: 206-184

Want some action on this game? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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