Cavs gun for another home triumph
Kemba Walker and the Hornets are in the midst of a three-game winning streak. But can they keep rolling against the top team in the Eastern Conference?
Cleveland hosts Charlotte tonight, with a 7:30 p.m. ET tip at Quicken Loans Arena. Online sports book Bovada.lv gives the Cavaliers odds of -340 to emerge victorious. Conversely, Steve Clifford’s club represents a +270 underdog.
The Hornets have vanquished Dallas, Detroit and Orlando over the past five days. Walker, now in his sixth season, continues to play at an exceptionally high level. Yet the emergence of a true sidekick currently has Charlotte ascending to even loftier heights. Nicolas Batum is averaging 14.7 points, 13.0 rebounds and 5.7 assists during the organization’s recent spree.
Meanwhile, Tyronn Lue’s troops come off a 114-84 drubbing of Miami. Kevin Love picked up his 14th double-double with 28 points and 15 boards, and LeBron James added 27 and eight. Shooting guard J.R. Smith remained out of the mix, however, due to an injured left knee.
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Both squads figure to take a bit to get their legs under them this evening. Considering the extra rest that most of the Hornets’ regulars were able to receive about 24 hours ago, though, we’re expecting the visitors to stay within single digits.
SATURDAY NBA FREE PICK: HORNETS +8