The Charlotte Hornets (4-7) and Milwaukee Bucks (7-5) meet in NBA Cup group play Friday. Tip-off from Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is set for 8 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Bucks odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Hornets lead 1-0
The Hornets beat the Bucks 111-100 at home Wednesday, covering as a 2.5-point underdog. F Miles Bridges led the way for Charlotte, scoring 20 points, while G Ryan Rollins tallied a team-high 25 points for Milwaukee.
Charlotte opened the season strong, winning 2 of its first 3 games and covering in each. Since then, it has gone 2-6 straight up and against the spread (ATS). Its defense has slipped, allowing 116 or more points in 3 of its last 4 games.
The Bucks have traded off winning and losing over their last 8 games and are 2-6 ATS in that span. They are 6-6 ATS on the season. Milwaukee has been led by F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 33.4 points per game.
Hornets at Bucks odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:46 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Hornets +325 (bet $100 to win $325) | Bucks -425 (bet $425 to win $100)Against the spread: Hornets +9.5 (-110) | Bucks -9.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 239.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)Hornets at Bucks key injuries
Hornets
G LaMelo Ball (ankle) probableG Josh Green (shoulder) outC Ryan Kalkbrenner (personal) outF Brandon Miller (shoulder) outF Grant Williams (knee) out
Bucks
F Giannis Antetokounmpo (knee) probableG Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Hornets at Bucks picks and predictionsPrediction
Bucks 124, Hornets 111
PASS.
Avoid this play. The Bucks (-425) should win with ease but are far too expensive a favorite here.
BET BUCKS -9.5 (-110).
The Bucks haven’t covered well as of late, but they have performed well at home this season. They are 4-2 ATS on the season at Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee’s offense has surged as well, scoring at least 115 points in 9 of 12 games this season.
The Hornets are just 4-6 ATS as an underdog this season, and they are 0-2 ATS as an underdog of 7 points or greater. Charlotte’s defense has been reeling and may struggle against an elite Milwaukee offense.
Take BUCKS -9.5 (-110).
BET UNDER 239.5 (-110).
Both teams are trending toward the Under here. The Bucks are 2-4 O/U in their last 6 games, allowing 115 or fewer points in 4 of those contests.
The Hornets are just 2-6 O/U in their last 8 games. Their offense has been the main issue, and it should continue to struggle against a lengthy Bucks defense. They have scored 112 or fewer points in 4 straight games.
Take UNDER 239.5 (-110).
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