The NBA is back! The preseason is in full swing and the games are getting good. The Dallas Mavericks will head to Charlotte and face off against the Hornets on Wednesday. It's time to continue the NBA odds series and make a Mavericks-Hornets prediction and pick.

This is the third game of the preseason for the Mavs (2-0) and fourth for the Hornets (1-2). The Mavs will look to keep their win streak alive. Charlotte, on the other hand, is looking to make up for a close loss in their last game. Since it is the preseason a key factor is playing time for the stars of each team. Regardless of how much we see each teams best players this game will be competitive. Players will be trying to earn regular season playing time and prove themselves to the team.

Here's how the bookmakers have set the line for Wednesday's game.

NBA Odds: Mavericks-Hornets Odds

Dallas Mavericks: -6.5 (-114)

Charlotte Hornets: +6.5 (-106)

Over 218.5 (-115)

Under 218.5 (-105)

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*

Why The Mavericks Could Cover The Spread

The Mavs are 2-0 heading into this contest. Dallas has two decisive victories. In their first game they defeated the Utah Jazz by 10. Game 2 saw the Mavs handle an impressive Los Angeles Clippers team and notch an 8-point victory. The Mavs have been playing very solid basketball and there's no reason to suggest that this won't continue in their matchup with Charlotte.

Luka Doncic has become a bonafide star. His highlights regularly go viral and his numbers are equally impressive. Luka is looking to make this year the best season of his career. In less than 20 minutes of playing time against the Clippers, Luka nearly had a triple-double. In 18 minutes, he had 14 points, 9 assists, and 8 rebounds.

The Hornets have yet to be truly tested this preseason. They haven't faced a team of Dallas' caliber. Charlotte had a close match with Miami, but Dallas should prove to be a struggle for the young Hornets to handle. If Jason Kidd ups the playing time of some of the Dallas stars, they will be hard to stop.

Why The Hornets Could Cover The Spread

The Hornets are 1-2 going into their fourth game. While they may be 1-2 they were one possession away from being 2-1. Charlotte lost to Miami last Friday, 104-103. The Heat are a good team so Hornets fans should feel pretty optimistic, even though they lost. Both teams were giving their starters above average playing time. In a preseason where most starters don't see more than 20 minutes these teams let their starting units loose for nearly 30 minutes. While Charlotte didn't win, things are looking good.

One of the players that got nearly 30 minutes of playing time was LaMelo Ball. Last year's NBA Rookie of the Year is getting a chance to continue right where he left off. The Hornets are taking the preseason seriously. With such a young roster they want to take any chance they get to iron out the kinks. This strategy will prove to be very effective and useful to those who support Charlotte. They are trying to grow the confidence of the players. LaMelo Ball getting 30 minutes of playing time in a preseason game should be a scary thought to opposing teams.

Next to LaMelo is Miles Bridges. Bridges has been in his bag this preseason. In their last matchup he played more than 30 minutes and capitalized on the opportunity. He scored 22 points, had 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Bridges has been balling and is a serious preseason threat. There's no reason to think that Charlotte won't continue to lean on him to carry their team, and they should.

Final Mavericks-Hornets Prediction & Pick

This game is going to be close. While the Mavs haven't been giving their stars more than 20 minutes of playing time, Charlotte has been cutting their players loose. Picking one team to win this game is a very tough choice. That's why the pick to look at is the over under. Dallas has put up 111 and 121 in their two preseason matches. Charlotte is averaging a little over 105 in their first three games. As the preseason goes on and players get more comfortable, expect more buckets. Pick the over and get ready to watch a fun and competitive match up.

FINAL PICK: Over 218.5 (-115)

SCORE PREDICTION: Mavericks Win 115-110