The Charlotte Hornets will pay a visit to Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets on Sunday night. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Hornets-Nets prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
A trio of Hornets scored 20-plus points as Charlotte beat the Utah Jazz on Friday, 107-101. Miles Bridges led the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Terry Rozier tallied 25 points. All-Star guard LaMelo Ball scored 21 points to go along with four rebounds and five assists. The Hornets have won six of their last seven games.
The Nets are coming off a 110-95 win over the Miami Heat. Kevin Durant led Brooklyn with 23 points, while Seth Curry added 17. Kyrie Irving, who scored 11 points, didn't need to do much as Brooklyn strolled to the victory. The Nets are now winners of seven of their last nine outings, and now Kyrie gets to play in his first home game of the season.
Here are the Hornets–Nets odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA odds: Hornets–Nets Odds
Charlotte Hornets: +6 (-114)
Brooklyn Nets: -6 (-106)
Over: 238.5 (-110)
Under: 238.5 (-110)
Why the Hornets could cover the spread
The Hornets have not been able to establish some semblance of consistency this season, as evidenced by their 38-36 record. They've been more consistent against the spread, though, at 39-31. Across the season, they have a plus-0.3 point differential, which suggests they are able to stay in games.
Sophomore star LaMelo Ball has been on a roll in March, as well, especially from beyond the arc. Save for a two-point game in their first game of the month, Ball is averaging 21.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 7.1 assists, while shooting at a 42.2 percent clip from 3.
Miles Bridges continues to have a breakout campaign, one that's worthy of consideration for Most Improved Player. On the season, the 6-foot-6 lefty is averaging 20.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.
Gordon Hayward is still out after suffering an ankle injury in early February. Rookie James Bouknight is also on G League assignment.
Why the Nets could cover the spread
The Nets seem to be humming at the right time as they've won seven of their last nine outings. It couldn't come at a better time with Kyrie Irving set to make his home debut this season. The New York City vaccine mandate has been lifted for athletes, which means Irving is welcome to play again at Barclays Center. The point guard wasn't permitted to play in front of his home crowd due to his unvaccinated status.
Nonetheless, aside from a quiet outing Saturday, Irving has been balling out despite playing just part-time hoops. On the season, Uncle Drew is averaging 28.5 points while shooting 49.4 from the field and 43.8 percent from 3.
Meanwhile, Kevin Durant has been Kevin Durant since returning from injury earlier this month, averaging 30.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists while shooting 53.2 percent from the field.
The Nets have yet to turn in their injury report, but it did list Goran Dragic and Seth Curry as probable on Saturday against Miami. They did suit up, with Dragic playing 21 minutes off the bench and Curry scoring 17 points in 21 minutes. Meanwhile, LaMarcus Aldridge has been out since March 8. Per Brian Lewis, Nash said the big man could return next week.
Final Hornets–Nets prediction and pick
The Nets should be the pick here. There is a lot of excitement surrounding Irving's home debut this season. This marks the first time the seven-time All-Star will play in Barclays Center since Game 2 of the East Semis last season. Nonetheless, that aside, the Nets have been rolling over their last nine. It seems like they're finding their rhythm in time for the postseason.
Final Hornets–Nets Prediction & Pick: Nets: -6 (-112)
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