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In a battle between two squads heading in two different directions and both sitting tied in the Eastern Conference standings, the Brooklyn Nets and the Charlotte Hornets will go to war on Tuesday evening at the Spectrum Center. Despite both of these teams playing rather pedestrian-like basketball this season at 32-33 and battling it out for the eighth seed out east, this matchup still has major playoff implications as we inch closer to the final month of the NBA season. Let’s get down to business, as we jump into our NBA odds series with a Nets-Hornets pick and prediction. Buckle up basketball and betting fans!
Entering Tuesday in the Queen City, the Nets have been slumping mightily, as they are losers of their last four and continue to disappoint by compiling a 3-7 record over the past 10 contests. Despite the overwhelming sense of failure in and around the Big Apple, Kevin Durant has finally returned from his 21-game absence from a sprained MCL and even became the 23rd player in NBA history to accumulate 25,000 career points with a team-high 37 points on 12/21 shooting from the floor during Sunday’s 126-120 loss against the Celtics. With Kyrie Irving’s availability up in the air on a daily basis, it's important for the role players such as Patty Mills, Seth Curry, and even Andre Drummond to continue to “right the ship” until the Nets are at full health.
Charlotte has no doubt experienced its fair share of struggles throughout the NBA campaign as well, as their inconsistency has been a concern at times. However, the Hornets are coming off back-to-back wins for the first time in nearly a month and will look to win a third straight contest against Brooklyn. Unlike the veteran savvy Nets who rely on experience and age, the Hornets include one of the more younger and promising rosters in the NBA, with both their top scorers no older than 23 years of age.
As of now, both teams need a victory to separate themselves from the rest of the pack that are fighting to earn a spot among the final four play-in spots. Let’s look at the prediction, odds, and pick of this consequential matchup.
Here are the Nets-Hornets NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Nets-Hornets Odds
Brooklyn Nets: -4.5 (-110)
Charlotte Hornets: +4.5 (-110)
Over: 240 (-110)
Article Continues Below
Under: 240 (-110)
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Why The Nets Could Cover The Spread
Two words. Kevin Durant. Brooklyn acted like a hot mess during his 21-game absence, playing the part of a desperate ex-girlfriend hoping and waiting desperately to get back together with their significant other. The 33-year-old all-time great looks to finally be healthy down the last stretch of the season, and the Nets could not be getting him back at a better time. Durant seemed to be in mid-season form in only his second game back, and when he has been available to play for Brooklyn, he’s been the KD of old. Durant is currently averaging 29.5 PPG, 7.3 RPG, and 5.8 APG through 38 games played during the 2021-2022 season.
Surprisingly, Brooklyn has achieved greater success on the road compared to their dreadful play at Barclays Arena, accumulating a 19-15 road record which is good for the third-most wins in the Eastern Conference. The Nets are 25-37 ATS but are 5-4-2 ATS in their past 11 outings. Additionally, Brooklyn is a top ten squad in field goal percentage and are not afraid to dish out the rock averaging 24.7 assists per contest.
Why The Hornets Could Cover The Spread
Other than the fact that the Nets have lost 18 of their last 21 games, the Hornets are averaging 121 points per game during their mini two-game winning streak, something that has been a recipe for success all season long. Their dynamic offensive prowess and top-tier statistical metrics, they should be able to exploit Brooklyn’s inability to rebound defensively and allow fast break points. The Hornets are at their best when they are utilizing their impressive assist numbers and limiting the turnovers, showcasing +4 in the spread. Both of these young bucks in Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball are averaging 19.7 PPG thus far, with the latter ranking within the top 10 of the league in assists per game, averaging an imposing 7.3 APG through 58 games played this season.
This type of Charlotte optimism is fueled by an impressive 114.3 points per game, ranking second in the NBA and only 0.01 of a point behind Minnesota for the top spot. Unfortunately, it does not do a team any favors when they are also ranked 29th in points allowed, thus demonstrating the frustrating pattern of being an unpredictable product 65 games through their season. Not to mention, Charlotte struggles from the charity stripe, as their 73.3% mark is the fourth-worst number in the league.
Final Nets-Hornets Prediction & Pick
At first glance, the Nets seem to be a better team on paper, but riding the hot hand would be considered a wise move when looking at both teams and their respective squads. The Nets are too banged up and do not have the pieces right now to slow down a frenzy Hornets offensive attack that many believe to be one of the best in the NBA. Despite Brooklyn’s impressive ability to win road games through turbulent times, Charlotte has a winning record at home themselves and should be able to capitalize on a short-handed Nets team. Expect the Hornets to be clicking on all cylinders offensively, as they should cover the spread easily, as well as the over 239 points hitting with both offenses being able to inflict some damage on each other’s defensive units.
Final Nets-Hornets Prediction & Pick: Hornets +4 (-110)
