Nuggets vs Hornets NBA Betting Lines & Game Preview

Nuggets vs Hornets NBA Betting Lines & Game Preview

Written by on December 7, 2018

Nikola Jokic and the streaking Denver Nuggets will look to nail down the road win over Kemba Walker and the Charlotte Hornets when the two playoff hopeful teams square off on Friday night. Can the Nuggets extend their winning ways or will the Hornets rise up to sting Denver where it hurts most? Let’s get to my expert NBA pick on this matchup right now.

Nuggets vs Hornets NBA Betting Lines & Game Preview

Why Should you Bet on Denver at -1?

Why should you consider betting on Denver in this contest? There are a bunch of reasons. First, the Nuggets are on fire, having won seven straight games including their 124-118 overtime win over Orlando on Wednesday. Then, there’s the fact that Denver is one of the best defensive teams in the league in ranking third in points allowed (103.4 ppg). Last but not least, the Nuggets have the better roster with blossoming shooting guard Jamal Murray averaging a team-high 17.9 points per game while fellow guard Gary Harris is averaging 16.6 points per contest. Center Nikola Jokic is doing it all by averaging 16.5 points, 9.6 rebounds and 7.8 assists per game.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Average Score For: 110.79
  • Field Goals: 46.79%
  • Three Points: 35.46%
  • Free Throws: 73.62%
  • Rebounds: 47.12
Defense:
  • Average Score Against: 103.38
  • Field Goals: 45.03%
  • Three Points: 31.61%
  • Free Throws: 74.58%
  • Rebounds: 41.50

Why Should you Bet on Charlotte at +1?

Are the Hornets a safe bet for Friday night? Why should you consider betting on Charlotte in this matchup? There are also a couple of reasons to back the Hornets in this one. First, Charlotte is playing at home where they’ve gone 9-3 this season. Next, Charlotte has one of the best offenses in the league as they average a stellar 114.0 points per game to rank fourth in scoring. While just three players average double figures in scoring for Charlotte, the Hornets do have a whopping nine players that all average 8.0 points per game or more. All-star point guard Kemba Walker is averaging a team-high 26.0 points per game while backcourt mate Jeremy Lamb is averaging 15.3 points and 5.7 rebounds per contest.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Average Score For: 114
  • Field Goals: 45.81%
  • Three Points: 35.56%
  • Free Throws: 79.34%
  • Rebounds: 43.79
Defense:
  • Average Score Against: 111.17
  • Field Goals: 46.22%
  • Three Points: 34.31%
  • Free Throws: 78.42%
  • Rebounds: 46.17

Expert Analysis and Prediction

There’s not a lot of sense in beating around the bush with my pick on this Friday night showdown since I believe Denver is a virtual lock to win and cash in against Charlotte.

The Nuggets are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 road games and an even more impressive 7-0 ATS in their last seven games overall.

While the Hornets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 Friday games, Charlotte is also an uninspiring 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. Western Conference teams and 1-7 ATS in their last 8 games against teams from the Northwest division. Denver has won their last five games by almost 10 points per contest and I expect a near double-digit win in this one!

NBA Betting Pick: Denver 117 Charlotte 107