The New York Knicks (7-5) travel to Spectrum Center Friday to take on the Charlotte Hornets (6-7). Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Knicks vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
This is expected to be a thrilling match up with both teams having cooled off after hot starts.
The Knicks have lost two of their last three, both by double figures. All-Star F Julius Randle leads the team and should be more than the F Miles Bridges-led Hornets can handle.
The Hornets are led by Bridges and phenom G LaMelo Ball. Charlotte has lost 5 of its last 6, although it started the season 3-0. This will be a pivotal home game for a young squad.
Knicks at Hornets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:17 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Knicks -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Home +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
- Against the spread (ATS): Knicks -1.5 (-115) | Home +1.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 223.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Knicks at Hornets key injuries
Knicks
- C Nerlens Noel (knee) questionable
Hornets
- PF P.J. Washington (elbow) out
Knicks at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Knicks 114, Hornets 111
Money line
BET on the KNICKS (-125) as they should get back on track in this one.
New York is currently sitting fifth in free-throw attempt rate while the Hornets are 19th in opponent’s free throw attempt rate. The Knicks should be able to get some easy points at the line with their aggression.
The Hornets have actually been shooting worse at home while New York has stepped up their efficiency on the road, shooting .8% better on the road than Charlotte shoots at home.
I’d rather bet on Randle than Bridges. Bridges shot 50 percent or better in six of his first seven games, but he’s topped 50 percent just once since. He’s a star in the making but may not quite be there yet.
Against the spread
PASS on the spread.
This one should be a close game. For the small amount you get, I’d look toward the money line for the better value in this one.
Over/Under
“LEAN” on the OVER 223.5 (-112) as the better side here.
This is simple: both teams are elite offensively and the exact opposite of elite defensively. The Knicks rank fifth in offensive rating and the Hornets are seventh. Respectively, they are 26th and 28th in defensive rating.
With Charlotte pushing the ball at a sporadic pace in most games behind a young duo of guards and Bridges, this game should be played with pace. The Hornets rank third in pace.
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 @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Additional NBA sports coverage:
HoopsHype | Celtics Wire | LeBron Wire | Lonzo Wire | Nets Wire | Rockets Wire | Sixers Wire | Thunder Wire | Warriors Wire | Rookie Wire | List Wire
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]