We will get to see this great Eastern Conference matchup between two elite teams in the playoff picture. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Bucks-Hornets prediction and pick.

The Milwaukee Bucks are fresh off of a win against the Brooklyn Nets last night. Antetokounmpo returned for the Bucks and scored 31 points in the win, with Bobby Portis contributing with 25. Khris Middleton notched 20 for himself and the Bucks took care of the Irving-less Nets. The Bucks and Nets are now tied in the Eastern Conference Standings and 2.5 games behind the Chicago Bulls for the lead. Milwaukee is 18-11 against the East this year and will look to earn sole possession of second place with a win against the Charlotte Hornets.

The Hornets started our hot but are starting to slow down as of late. They are 20-19 which is good for 8th in the East. The Hornets are fresh off of a blowout win over the Detroit Pistons last game 140-111. The good news is that they are healthy and can compete with any team in the NBA. LaMelo Ball is averaging 19.3 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on the year. He's leading this young Hornets team to new heights and will likely make the playoffs. The last time these two teams met, the Bucks won 127-125. This should be an exciting matchup to watch once again.

Here are the Bucks-Hornets NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel

NBA Odds: Bucks-Hornets Odds

Milwaukee Bucks: +2 (-108)

Charlotte Hornets: -2 (-112)

Over: 235.5 (-108)

Under: 235.5 (-112)

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Why The Bucks Could Cover The Spread

The Bucks are clearly one of the better teams in the NBA this season, as defending champs. They are also really good on the road and are looking to win five straight. The Bucks are 7-3 in their last 10 games and are surging up the Eastern standings. If it weren't for the Chicago Bulls winning streak, the Bucks would've had the opportunity to have the best record in the East by tonight. Milwaukee is dealing with some injuries and players on the covid-19 list, but they are still getting the job done. Even though the Bucks are dominant, they are just 18-22 against the spread. They come in as underdogs so that should actually give them a better chance to cover. This game went to the wire the last time they faced, and so I have a feeling it will be a similar result.

Why The Hornets Could Cover The Spread

The Hornets are 23-16 against the spread this year. That is a great sign for bettors as they continue to cover at a high rate. The Hornets have won three of their last five games and are hoping they can get their revenge over the Bucks Saturday night. If they want to cover this spread, they would have to find a way to win this game by at least a basket. They come in as favorites at home against the defending champs. That isn't an easy thing to accomplish. Ball and company will need to defend Antetokounmpo and make sure he doesn't get offensive rebounds. He's clearly a force in the paint and that needs to be the Hornets' main priority. Force him to shoot the ball. The Bucks will be without Jrue Holiday and Donte DiVincenzo so that gives the Hornets a better chance.

Final Bucks-Hornets Prediction & Pick

I like the Bucks on the road in this one. They are given +2 points and so I think they will find a way to win this game and cover the spread. The Hornets pose a threat to win and I think it will be a close game.

Final Bucks-Hornets Prediction & Pick: Bucks +2 (-108)