Hornets vs. Nets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks (April 1)

Charlotte (24-22) makes one of its two appearances on national television on Thursday when they travel to Brooklyn (33-15).

Charlotte (24-22) makes one of its two appearances on national television on Thursday when they travel to Brooklyn (33-15), and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The Hornets own a win over the Nets this season but one on Thursday would be potentially even bigger with the playoff race looming. The Hornets enter Thursday as the four seed with a game advantage on the fifth-seed Knicks.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Hornets +3.5
  • Moneyline: Hornets +135 / Nets -160
  • Over-under: 224.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

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Advice and prediction

It’s hard to bet on the Nets too far ahead of time given the injury issues right now. Kevin Durant is out. James Harden left Wednesday’s game with a hamstring injury. A number of role players are questionable.

It would be worthwhile to grab the Hornets plus-3.5 as that line may change with Harden potentially being out. Outside of that, Hornets plus-135 feels like a good value bet for many of the same reasons.

Prediction: Nets 114, Hornets 110

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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

Tennessee Titans dueling 7-round 2021 NFL mock drafts 2.0

Our writers took part in a second duel of mock drafts for the Tennessee Titans.

Happy April Fools Day! With the calendar turning over to a new month, we are yet another step closer to seeing who the Tennessee Titans take in the 2021 NFL draft, which begins on April 29.

A lot has changed since the start of free agency for the Titans in terms of their biggest draft needs. Before they began making moves, the Titans were often pegged with taking an EDGE in the first round.

While it’s still possible that will be the case, some key departures on both sides of the ball — especially at cornerback and wide receiver — have made taking an EDGE on Day 1 far less of a sure bet.

With the dust having settled a bit and knowing what we know now, our staff wanted to take part in an updated duel of mock drafts after we went to battle back in March. In case you missed those mocks, you can check them out here.

Without further ado, here’s what our staff came up with using different mock draft simulators. Make sure to vote in our Twitter poll at the end to tell us who you think has the best one.

Mavericks at Celtics: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Our prediction and best bet for Wednesday’s Mavs-Celtics game.

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics host Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday night, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7:30 and can be seen on ESPN.

The Mavericks have lost two of their last three games, but just thumped the Thunder on the road. The Celtics are hoping to bounce back from a six-point loss to the Pelicans, though they were without Jaylen Brown in that game.

Brown has been upgraded to available for the Celtics on Wednesday, while Willie Cauley-Stein and JJ Redick are both out for Dallas.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Celtics -2
  • Money line: Celtics -130 / Mavericks +105
  • Over-under: 222.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

The Mavs edged the Celtics 110-107 in their first meeting early this season in Dallas, but Boston will get a big boost from Brown’s return.

Prior to their loss to the Pelicans, the Celtics had reeled off two impressive wins including a win over the Bucks on the road, and new arrival Evan Fournier can’t possibly have a worse outing than he did in his debut. I’m taking the home advantage and the Celtics -2 to win in a close one.

Prediction: Celtics 113, Mavericks 109

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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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Bucks at Lakers: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

The Los Angeles Lakers are massive underdogs in what will be their last home game for two weeks.

The Los Angeles Lakers get their first look at Andre Drummond in purple and gold on Wednesday night. However, Drummond’s first game with the Lakers isn’t projected to be a walk in the park. The Lakers welcome one of the best teams in the NBA and the two-time reigning MVP, Giannis Antetokounmpo.

The Bucks, despite their pedigree, have struggled as of late, losing their last three games. Their last loss was their worst one of the stretch, a 24-point loss to a Clippers team playing without Paul George. But with all of that being understood, the Bucks are still a much deeper team than what the Lakers currently are.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Bucks -9
  • Money line: Lakers +310 / Bucks -400
  • Over-under: 221.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

The Lakers should be feeling good after their defense helped them scrape out two wins they needed to stay in front of Denver and Portland in the Western Conference standings. Montrezl Harrell’s consistent scoring has also been key to the success of the Lakers, which is something they will need again on Wednesday.

But even if Harrell has a good game and the Lakers supporting cast gets their 3-pointers to go, they’re going to have a difficult time keeping pace with the Bucks. While they are down two key players in Bobby Portis and PJ Tucker, the Bucks still have their key frontline players. They’ve been in a bad way over the past week and Drummond’s debut likely has created more momentum for the Lakers to make this interesting. I don’t see it against the Bucks, who can still deliver a blowout, even coming off a losing streak.

Prediction: Bucks 132, Lakers 110

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Rockets at Nets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Our prediction and best bet for Wednesday’s Rockets-Nets game.

The Brooklyn Nets play the Houston Rockets on Wednesday, and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on YES.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Nets -12.5
  • Money line: Nets -1200 / Rockets +750
  • Over-under: 230.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

The Brooklyn Nets have been playing a bit sloppy down the stretch in their last two outings. A underdog team like the Houston Rockets will be determined to be the team to punish the Nets for this. While factoring in the James Harden trade earlier this season, you don’t what to expect from the Beard this game – although he is playing like an MVP. Christian Wood’s return has made the Rockets a much better team. To play it safe, take the Rockets +12.5.

Prediction: Nets 120, Rockets 116

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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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Rockets at Nets: Betting odds, point spread for Wednesday night

Houston is understandably a big underdog versus James Harden and the Nets, but they are likely to have Christian Wood back in the lineup.

In an apparent mismatch, the Rockets will face the Nets and former teammate James Harden for the second and final time this season. Unlike the initial meeting on March 3, which was at Toyota Center, Wednesday’s matchup is Houston’s return visit to Brooklyn.

The Rockets (13-33) have the second-worst record in the Western Conference, while the Nets (32-15) have the second-best mark in the Eastern Conference. They’re also playing extremely well at the moment, having won 18 of their last 21 games — even with superstar forward Kevin Durant having missed over a month due to a left hamstring strain.

In short, time has shown that Harden was correct in his assessment that Brooklyn offered him a better opportunity than Houston to compete for the NBA championship in the 2020-21 season. The Nets have proven to be attractive on the buyout market, as well, having signed veteran forwards Blake Griffin and LaMarcus Aldridge in recent weeks.

Despite the records, though, the Rockets have played better basketball of late. When the teams last met, Houston was in the middle of its historic 20-game losing streak. Since that skid, the Rockets have won two of five, and they were competitive in Monday’s home loss to Memphis — even with star center Christian Wood out due to illness.

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The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Rockets +12.5 (-110), Nets -12.5 (-110)
  • Moneyline: Rockets +725/Nets -1200
  • Over-under: 231.5 (-110 O, -110 U)
  • Player O/U Scoring Props: James Harden 27.5 (-120 O, -105 U), Kyrie Irving 26.5 (-110 O, -115 U), Joe Harris 11.5 (-130 O, +100 U); Houston TBD

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN, and WV at BetMGM.

Brooklyn’s probable starters are Kyrie Irving, James Harden, Joe Harris, Bruce Brown, and DeAndre Jordan. Meanwhile, Houston would like to start John Wall, Kevin Porter Jr., Danuel House Jr., Jae’Sean Tate and Christian Wood — but Wall’s playing status is up in the air.

According to the injury report, Wood (illness) is probable to return, but Wall is questionable (left knee effusion). That’s the same knee that Wall is reportedly likely to have scoped at some point. Danuel House Jr. (back soreness) is probable, while Eric Gordon (groin), David Nwaba (wrist) and Dante Exum (calf) remain out with longer-term injuries. If Wall sits out, veteran guard DJ Augustin appears likely to start in his place.

In addition to Durant’s absence, the Nets will be without Aldridge (rest) and Spencer Dinwiddie (right knee) for Wednesday’s game. Landry Shamet (right ankle sprain) is listed as questionable.

Advice and prediction

The Rockets played an inspired game versus Harden and the Nets back on March 3, and that was without Wood. It’s way too much to expect them to actually beat Brooklyn on the road — but assuming Wood returns, it shouldn’t be a surprise if they cover the large number.

Prediction: 122-111, Nets

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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

Note: This post first appeared on Rockets Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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Watch: DeVonta Smith surprises with routes at Alabama Pro Day

Former Alabama wide receiver DeVonta Smith had planned to not workout during the Tide’s pro day, but ultimately changed his mind.

This story originally appeared on Dolphins Wire.

The Miami Dolphins have been tied to a slew of offensive draft prospects over the course of the past few months as the team gears up to make some critical decisions in the 2021 NFL Draft. It is one of the worst kept secrets in football: the Miami Dolphins need help with their pass catchers. And with Tua Tagovailoa serving as the team’s quarterback, it only makes sense that plenty of rumors around the team will be tied to the 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, Alabama WR DeVonta Smith.

But Smith’s pre-draft process has been bogged down with worries about his size and stature. He attended the 2021 Senior Bowl but did not participate due to a finger injury suffered against Ohio State and eventually opted to skip the event’s weigh-in — a very unusual move that drew plenty of attention to his weight and concerns about how he would handle the physicality of the NFL. And then, last week, Smith did step on the scale. And he weighed 170 pounds on the dot; making him one of the smallest 1st-round wide receiver prospects in recent memory.

But Smith still did not work out; a decision that he appeared to be ready to double down on with a second throwing session from former Crimson Tide QB Mac Jones yesterday, only to call an audible. Smith finally stepped into the pre-draft action, deciding last minute to run some routes and put his abilities on display.

The flashes that followed reminded everyone quickly why Smith is considered a top wide receiver prospect.

“(Smith) came out here and called me this morning and was like, ‘Dude, I got you. Let’s just get a couple routes in.’ So I was like, alright, let’s adjust the script,” recalled Jones in the aftermath of the session. And while many were in attendance in Tuscaloosa to watch Jones spin the ball around the field, they probably left glad to get the added bonus of watching Smith run his first routes since the 1st-half of this past year’s championship game. If that’s enough to help to sell Miami or not at No. 6 overall is unclear — but we’ll have our answer in about four weeks.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.

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Hornets vs. Wizards: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Charlotte (23-22) can maintain its spot in the top half of the playoff race on Tuesday on the road against the Wizards (17-28).

Charlotte (23-22) can maintain its spot in the top half of the playoff race on Tuesday on the road against the Wizards (17-28), and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

Washington’s Russell Westbrook had an outstanding performance in Monday’s game, finishing with 35 points, 21 assists and 14 rebounds in a win over the Pacers. In the previous meeting against the Hornets, though, Westbrook finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Hornets -3.5
  • Moneyline: Hornets -155 / Wizards -+125
  • Over-under: 228.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

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Advice and prediction

The Wizards enter on the second night of a back-to-back, giving an advantage to the Hornets already. Bradley Beal’s day-to-day availability is another notch to Charlotte, as is the fact the Hornets won handily in the other meeting this season.

Take Charlotte minus-3.5 as quickly as possible with Beal’s status potentially shifting the line even further.

Prediction: Hornets 111, Wizards 104

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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

Pelicans vs. Celtics: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks (March 29)

The Pelicans (20-25) can grab a fourth win in five games on Monday when they travel to Boston (23-23).

The Pelicans (20-25) can grab a fourth win in five games on Monday when they travel to Boston (23-23), and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

In the previous meetings between the two, New Orleans pulled off the biggest comeback in franchise history with a 24-point second-half rally. Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart played massive roles defensively in that victory.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Pelicans +2.5
  • Moneyline: Pelicans +115 / Celtics -140
  • Over-under: 229.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in CO, IN, MI, NV, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

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Advice and prediction

It’s still not easy to get a read on the Pelicans on a game-to-game basis, though they appear to be gaining some more consistency. What has been consistent is that Zion Williamson is absolutely unstoppable right now.

The Celtics already struggle to stop big men. In the last meeting this season between the two sides, he had 28 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Taking Williamson’s over 39.5 points, rebounds and assists tonight feels like a safe bet.

Prediction: Celtics 120, Pelicans 118

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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

Timberwolves at Nets: Prediction, point spread, odds, over/under, betting picks

Our prediction and best bet for Monday’s Timberwolves-Nets game.

The Brooklyn Nets play the Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday and if you’re looking to do some last-minute betting research, you’re in luck! We’ll give you the latest point spread, moneyline odds and over-under number, as well as the information you’ll need to make the smartest bet on BetMGM.

The game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on YES and Fox Sports North.

The lines, courtesy of BetMGM

  • Point spread: Nets -11
  • Money line: Nets -700/ Timberwolves +500
  • Over-under: 239.5

Place your legal, online sports bets in VA, CO, IA, IN, NJ, PA, TN and WV at BetMGM.

Advice and prediction

Listen man. James Harden is playing like he’s not from this planet. The fact that he’s taking his game to another dimension is unreal. He just always finds a way to top himself this season with signature performance after signature performance. The young Timberwolves are going to have their hands full containing the Beard. Don’t forget to add Kyrie Irving to the picture again too. Anthony Edwards is probably frightened just thinking about the matchup against Brooklyn right now. Take the Nets -11.

Prediction: Nets 128, Timberwolves 101

Get more betting analysis and predictions at Sportsbook Wire.

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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