The Dallas Mavericks play host to the Charlotte Hornets at the American Airlines Center on Thursday night. Here’s a Mavericks vs Hornets Prediction. This article will include a Mavericks vs Hornets Pick.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets have been in great shape as they’ve won seven of their last 10 games overall and they will be gunning for a fifth straight win after running past the Grizzlies in a 112-97 road win last night. Brandon Miller led the team with 26 points on nine of 17 shooting, Miles Bridges added 20 points on eight of 11 shooting while Moussa Diabate chipped in with 18 points and 19 rebounds. As a team, the Hornets shot 49 percent from the field and 17 of 42 from the 3-point line as they set the tone with 36 points in the first quarter to take a lead into halftime. Before they clamped down defensively and held the Grizzlies to just 20 points in the third quarter to push the margin out to 22 points at one stage.
Dallas Mavericks Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Dallas Mavericks have been in decent shape as they’ve split their last 10 games, but they will be hoping to snap a two-game skid after getting thrashed by the Timberwolves in a 118-105 loss last night. PJ Washington led the team with 21 points, seven rebounds and two blocks, Naji Marshall added 18 points while Brandon Williams chipped in with 17 points off the bench. As a team, the Mavericks shot 45 percent from the field and a miserly three of 18 from the 3-point line as they struggled to keep pace early. They scored just 19 points in the second quarter to trail by 10 points at halftime. Things only got worse in the third quarter where they leaked 34 points and trail by as many as 17 points.
Why the Dallas Mavericks will win
- The Mavericks have won each of their last four games as home underdogs against Southeast Division opponents.
- The Hornets have lost 10 of their last 11 road games on the second leg of a back-to-back against the Mavericks.
- The Mavericks has covered the spread in each of their last six home games with both teams on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last four games following a road win.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Hornets have won each of their last 11 games as favorites against Southwest Division opponents.
- The Hornets has covered the spread in each of their last eight games with both teams on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Mavericks have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight home games against Hornets teams that held a losing record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last nine games on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of the Mavericks’ last seven games against Southeast Division opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Dallas Mavericks Player Facts
- P.J. Washington is one of only three qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 threes, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks this season.
- Max Christie ranks 2nd in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (44.5%) this season.
Charlotte Hornets Player Facts
- Kon Knueppel ranks 2nd in the Eastern Conference amongst qualified players for FT% (89.5%) this season.
- LaMelo Ball ranks 4th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (10.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Mavericks rank 1st in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (33.1%).
- The Mavericks rank 30th in the league for opponent field goal attempts per game this season (93.8).
- The Hornets rank 30th in the league for steals per game this season (6.8).
- The Hornets rank 1st in the league for opponent free throws made per game this season (16.3).
Mavericks vs Hornets Prediction
The Hornets are still playing without KJ Simpson and Mason Plumlee, while the Mavericks have ruled out Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively II and Kyrie Irving with Klay Thompson and Cooper Flagg both listed as day to day. This is one of those games where you should check the lineups before tipoff given the injury cloud hanging over the Mavericks. The Hornets enter this contest as the hotter team right now, which is surprising. They looked great in their big win over the Grizzlies last night, while the Mavericks have done well to keep their heads above water despite dealing with injuries to key players. The line could shift by the time this game tips off, but as of this time of writing, I prefer a play on the Hornets who are playing some of their best basketball of the season.