The Denver Nuggets (16-6) and Charlotte Hornets (7-16) meet Sunday from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Tip is set for 6 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NBA odds around the Hornets vs. Nuggets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions for the best bets.
2024-25 season series: Nuggets won 2-0
The Nuggets barely edged the Atlanta Hawks 134-133 Friday, failing to cover as a 3.5-point road favorite as the Over (239.5) cashed with ease. C Nikola Jokic scored a team-high 40 points on 13-for-26 shooting with 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Denver has gone 4-3 over its last 7 games and is 3-4 against the spread (ATS) in those contests. It is 13-9 ATS on the season.
The Hornets beat the Toronto Raptors 111-86 Friday, covering as a 6-point road underdog as the Under (230.5) hit. Six Charlotte players hit double figures led by rookie F Kon Knueppel’s 21 points on 7-for-12 shooting. The Hornets have won 3 of their last 5 games and are 3-2 ATS in that span. They are 11-12 ATS on the season.
Nuggets 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 a.m. ET.
Moneyline (ML): Nuggets -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Hornets +375 (bet $100 to win $375)Against the spread (ATS): Nuggets -10.5 (-110) | Hornets +10.5 (-110)Over/Under (O/U): 233.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)Nuggets at Hornets key injuries
Nuggets
G Christian Braun (hamstring) outF Aaron Gordon (hamstring) out
Hornets
G LaMelo Ball (ankle) outG Collin Sexton (quadriceps) out
For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.
Nuggets at Hornets picks and predictionsPrediction
Nuggets 125, Hornets 110
PASS.
There’s no value on the moneyline. The Nuggets (-500) are the more talented side and should come out on top; however, they are too expensive to consider.
BET NUGGETS -10.5 (-110).
The Hornets just don’t have the size to deal with Jokic. C Ryan Kalkbrenner played just 26 minutes against the Raptors, and their depth behind him is weak. The 3-time MVP should have a huge game in Charlotte. You might even consider Jokic 30+ points (+250) for a nice payoff or even Jokic 40+points (+650) for a huge payoff. He’s at (-118) for a triple-double.
The Nuggets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games as well, and their offense has been surging, scoring at least 130 points in 4 of their last 5 games. Meanwhile, the Hornets are 1-2 ATS as an underdog of 9 or greater this season.
Take NUGGETS -10.5 (-110).
BET OVER 233.5 (-115).
The Nuggets have gone Over in 7 straight games, primarily because of their league-best offense (125.5 points per game). Their defense has had shortcomings, though, as well, allowing at least 120 points in 3 in a row.
The Hornets have scored at least 111 points in 3 of their last 5, so they also have a capable offense. Back OVER 233.5 (-115).
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