The Denver Nuggets (38-18) battle the Charlotte Hornets (15-42) Saturday. Tip from Spectrum Center is set for 7 p.m. ET.
These teams will play for the second and final time this season. The Nuggets beat Charlotte at home 119-115 on Dec. 18, failing to cover as a 9-point favorite as the Under (236) connected.
Denver is coming off a 115-104 road loss at the Orlando Magic Thursday, failing to cover as a 5-point favorite. It is 4-2 against the spread (ATS) over its last 6 games and is 30-26 ATS this season.
The Hornets lost to the Boston Celtics 127-116 Friday, failing to cover as 10.5-point road underdogs. They are 0-5 ATS over their last 5 games and 23-31-3 ATS on the season.
Nuggets at Hornets odds
- Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -330 (bet $330 to win $100) | Hornets +270 (bet $100 to win $270)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -8.5 (-108) | Hornets +8.5 (-112)
- Over/Under (O/U): 236.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
Nuggets at Hornets key injuries
Nuggets
- F Aaron Gordon (rib) questionable
- G Jamal Murray (knee) questionable
Hornets
- Not yet submitted
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Hornets picks and predictions
Prediction
Nuggets 123, Hornets 116
Moneyline
AVOID.
The Hornets (+270) may have some value as the Nuggets just lost on the road to Orlando, but I’d rather focus on the spread instead.
Against the spread
LEAN HORNETS +8.5 (-112).
The Nuggets have lost 4 in a row away from home, and that’s telling. They are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games and are tied for the 5th-worst road-covering team in the league, just 10-16 ATS.
However, this is only a lean because the Hornets have failed to cover 5 games in a row. Charlotte has also lost 6 in a row straight up, so backing them comes with some risks, but considering the Nuggets’ weakness on the road, back HORNETS +8.5 (-112).
Over/Under
BET OVER 236.5 (-115).
The Hornets have allowed at least 118 points in 4 straight games and will be taking on the league’s most efficient offense.
Denver ranks No. 1 in field goal percentage (51%) and 3-point field goal percentage (39.5%). It has gone Over in 5 of its last 7 and is 5-1-1 over that span.
The Hornets have scored at least 112 in 3 of their last 4 games, They are getting their offense back and playing at a high-tempo, ranking 7th in pace.
Back the OVER 236.5 (-115).