Cavaliers vs. Hornets: Can Charlotte Upset Cleveland?

The Cleveland Cavaliers are aiming for their seventh consecutive win as they face the Charlotte Hornets tonight. While the Cavaliers have been on a roll since acquiring James Harden, the Hornets are poised to put up a strong fight. NBA betting odds currently have Cleveland as 6-point favorites, but our analysis suggests a closer contest than the spread indicates.

Cavaliers’ Recent Form & Harden’s Impact

Cleveland’s recent 112-84 victory over Brooklyn showcased their offensive firepower, averaging 123 points per game in their three games with James Harden. However, history suggests the Hornets present a unique challenge. Despite winning six of the last seven matchups against Cleveland, the Cavaliers have struggled to cover the spread, going just 1-4 ATS in their last five meetings against Charlotte.

Hornets’ Resilience & Back-to-Back Performance

Despite a narrow 105-101 loss to Houston yesterday, the Hornets are known for their ability to bounce back, particularly on the second night of back-to-backs. They boast an impressive 9-2 ATS record in these situations, the second-best in the NBA. Furthermore, their defense has been solid, allowing only 105.2 points per game over their last 10 contests, ranking third in the league.

Key Player Props & Predictions

Several key players are expected to influence the outcome. James Harden has consistently exceeded his assist line, topping 8.5 assists in his last two games. For the Hornets, LaMelo Ball is averaging 7.4 assists per game and will be crucial in orchestrating the offense.

Looking at three-point shooting, Harden has been consistently hitting at least three 3-balls in six of his last nine games. Brandon Miller and rookie Kon Knueppel have also been contributing from beyond the arc, hitting 3+ and 4+ three-pointers respectively in recent games. However, LaMelo Ball has historically struggled with three-point shooting against Cleveland.

Our Best Bet: Hornets +6 (-110)

Considering the Hornets’ strong performance on the second night of back-to-backs, their defensive solidity, and Cleveland’s historical struggles against them, we believe Charlotte can cover the +6 spread. The Hornets have also demonstrated a strong moneyline record, winning 20 of their last 35 games (+18.20 Units / 39% ROI).

For more in-depth NBA betting trends, check out Covers’ NBA Betting Trends.

Disclaimer: This content is not intended for use in Massachusetts. Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.

About the Author

Eric, a seasoned sports media professional with a background in journalism and broadcast journalism, brings over two decades of experience to his analysis. He’s a recognized NBA sharp and has contributed to major sports networks like TSN and CTV. Eric focuses on finding value and providing readers with informed betting insights.

Please remember to check your local laws regarding online sports betting before participating.