The LA Clippers (4-11) and Charlotte Hornets (4-11) meet Saturday at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Clippers vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Clippers swept 2-0
The Clippers have won 14 consecutive meetings since the Hornets last won in the series Nov. 18, 2017, as Charlotte posted a 102-87 victory at home. However, the Hornets have covered 3 of the past 4 meetings, and 3 in a row at home.
The Clippers were thrashed by the Orlando Magic 129-101 as a 6.5-point underdog as the Over (219) cashed Thursday. That halted a 3-game cover streak for the Clippers, while the Over is 4-1 in the past 5 outings. G James Harden was impressive against Orlando, going for 31 points, 8 assists and 2 steals with 5 triples, while C Ivica Zubac posted 14 points with 19 rebounds.
The Hornets suffered a 127-118 loss against the Indiana Pacers on the road Wednesday, snapping a modest 2-game cover streak. Rookie F Kon Knueppel did his part, going for 28 points with 8 rebounds, 7 assists and 5 triples. Charlotte has dropped 4 in a row — and 7 of the past 8 games — while going 4-8 against the spread (ATS) in the previous 12 outings.
Clippers at Hornets odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:22 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Clippers -118 (bet $118 to win $100) | Hornets -102 (bet $102 to win $100)Against the spread: Clippers -1.5 (-105) | Hornets +1.5 (-115)Over/Under (O/U): 226.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Clippers at Hornets injuries
Clippers
G Bradley Beal (hip) outF Derrick Jones Jr. (knee) outF Kawhi Leonard (ankle) outF Jordan Miller (hamstring) out
Hornets
G Josh Green (shoulder)G Sion James (groin) probableG Tre Mann (ankle) questionableF Grant Williams (knee) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Clippers at Hornets picks and predictionsPrediction
Clippers 122, Hornets 116
PASS.
If you like the Clippers (-118), it makes very little sense to bet them on the moneyline and pay extra, rather than laying the little bit of points, unless you’re absolutely convinced it will be a 1-point win for the visitors.
The CLIPPERS -1.5 (-105) are the play, as they’re 3-1 ATS in the past 4 games, and LA has dominated this series.
To be fair, this is Charlotte’s best opportunity in a while to snap its long skid in the series. That’s not because the Hornets are very good, but because both teams are very shaky, and similarly disappointed.
The OVER 226.5 (-115) is the play, as neither of these teams is very good defensively.
The Over is 4-1 in the past 5 games for the Clippers, while going high in 3 of the past 4 on the road.
For the Hornets, the Over/Under has split 3-3 in the past 6 games, with Charlotte allowing at least 116 points in 5 of the past 8 games, and in 10 of 15 outings this season.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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