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The NBA regular season is back in full swing and continues with games on Wednesday. The Charlotte Hornets will hit the road and take on the Cleveland Cavaliers. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Hornets-Cavaliers prediction and pick.
These two teams have had somewhat similar seasons so far. The Charlotte Hornets have struggled after the break and are coming off back-to-back losses. While the Cleveland Cavaliers have also been struggling and have dropped two of their last three matches. This should be an interesting game between two teams trying to regain some momentum.
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Here are the Hornets-Cavaliers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Hornets-Cavaliers Odds
Charlotte Hornets: +3.5 (-112)
Cleveland Cavaliers: -3.5 (-108)
Over: 219 (-110)
Under: 219 (-110)
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Why The Hornets Could Cover The Spread
The Charlotte Hornets had a strong start to the year but have seemingly been going downhill ever since. Through their first 63 games, the Hornets have a losing record of 30-33. Their most recent defeat came at the hands of Giannis and the Milwaukee Bucks. The Bucks dominated Charlotte, winning 130-106. In the game prior, the Hornets lost by one in overtime to the Pistons. Charlotte has been struggling big time, and they need to start winning games if they want to make a playoff push. This is a very important game, and if the Hornets can correct for some of their recent mistakes, they could end up on top in this match.
First off, the Hornets need more guys to step up. Only one player had more than 20 points for Charlotte in their most recent game. Compare that to three players on Milwaukee who exceeded that mark. Additionally, the Hornets shot the ball extremely poorly, knocking down less than 39% of their field goal attempts. Prior to this match, their problems circulated around a lack of volume, however in their last game they just couldn't make a shot. The Cavs should be easier competition than Milwaukee, but they are still a tough opponent.
Injuries remain a concern for Charlotte. The Hornets have four players listed on their injury report, two of which are listed as doubtful and the other two are confirmed out for Wednesday's game. While the Hornets may still have their top contributors available, they have been lacking the depth to make up for when their starters are sitting. The reality of the situation is that Charlotte has been asking a lot from a small portion of their team, and they haven't been able to deliver. If the Hornets want to start winning games they will need everyone to contribute.
Why The Cavaliers Could Cover The Spread
The Cleveland Cavaliers are also one of those teams that are seemingly losing steam. At the start of the year, they were surprisingly competitive, they took down some tough opponents. However, as the season progressed and as they have dealt with injuries, they seem to have significantly cooled off. Through their first 61 games, they have a winning record of 36-25. Since the all-star break they have had one win against the Wizards, but a loss against the Pistons, and most recently a loss against the Timberwolves. This should be a very winnable game for Cleveland, they just need to come in prepared and ready to take care of business at home.
While they may not have beaten Minnesota, the Cavs did a good job of playing them close and almost mounting a comeback in the fourth quarter. This Cavs team has lots of potential because on any given night multiple players can step up and put up big numbers. Against the Wolves, three players scored over 20 and another three scored in the double digits. Additionally, seven out of ten roster members are playing 25+ minutes and getting a chance to grow and develop. If Cleveland can build on their most recent loss, then they should be able to take down the Hornets.
The biggest roadblock for this team this season has been injuries. Currently, the Cavs have four players listed on their injury report. Of those four only one, Darius Garland is questionable for Wednesday's game. If Garland can return to action on Wednesday that would be a huge gain for Cleveland. Garland has been a big part of this team this season and has done a great job of adding depth and offense to the roster. Regardless, this Cavs team has enough of their roster intact to get the win on Wednesday.
Final Hornets-Cavaliers Prediction & Pick
This isn't too difficult a pick. Even though both of these teams have been struggling recently, one has done so while remaining competitive, while the other has not. The Hornets have lost a lot of their momentum and have just looked flat recently. They failed to compete against a tough opponent and will likely struggle again on Wednesday. The Cavs, on the other hand, have been in close games. While they haven't come out ahead, the fact that they're competing is more than what can be said for Charlotte. Pick Cleveland to win and cover.
FINAL HORNETS-CAVALIERS PICK: Cleveland Cavaliers -3.5 (-108)
FINAL HORNETS-CAVALIERS SCORE PREDICTION: Cavaliers 111 – Hornets 104
