Mavericks vs. Hornets Prediction
Can the Charlotte Hornets get over the .500 mark tonight when they play host to the Dallas Mavericks at 7PM ET?
505 Dalla Mavericks vs. 506 Charlotte Hornets
Wednesday, January 2, 2019
7PM ET – Spectrum Arena
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Hornets are the slight favorite in this game, as they are getting odds of -1.5 points against the Mavericks. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 222 points. The public betting for this game currently has 52 percent going on the Mavericks on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NBA Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Mavericks struggling to get on track
Dallas is coming off a 122-102 loss at Oklahoma City on Monday night for their eighth loss in 10 games. They had covered the spread in five straight prior to Monday’s loss. Dallas is now 17-19 on the season, 2-16 on the road, 22-14 against the spread and 20-16 with the over.
The Mavericks are putting up 110.6 points per game on offense this season while allowing 110.4 per game. Both rank near the middle of the league. Luka Doncic is leading the team with 19.6 points, 6.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists per game. Harrison Barnes is adding 18.6 points per contest while DeAndre Jordan averages 11.1 points and 14.2 rebounds per game.
Hornets tough at home
The Hornets are coming off a dominant 125-100 win at home over Orlando for their fourth consecutive victory at home. Charlotte is now 18-18 on the season, 14-7 at home, 19-17 against the spread and 20-16 with the over.
Charlotte is led by its tough offense, putting up 113.7 points per game this year while shooting 36.2 percent from the arc. Defensively, the Hornets are giving up 111.1 points per game while holding opponents to 34.2 percent from 3-point land. Kemba Walker is leading the team with 25.8 points and 6.1 assists per game while Jeremy Lamb is adding 15.3 points and 5.6 rebounds per contest. Lamb is doubtful to play tonight due to a hamstring injury.
NBA Betting Trends
Dallas
The Mavericks have covered the spread in four straight following a loss and in five of their last six against Eastern Conference opponents.
Charlotte
The Hornets are 3-7 against the spread in their last 10 and 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a win.
Prediction:
The Mavericks have been a bad road team, but they have been able to cover the spread quite well. The Hornets are a good team at home, but I think they struggle to cover more than I like. With Lamb out, that takes away a big piece for the Charlotte offense. Walker already has to do a lot as is, so now he will need to do even more. Dallas has more balance to work with and is healthy. I will take the Mavericks with the points tonight.
NBA Prediction: Dallas Mavericks +1.5