The Charlotte Hornets, 2-point underdogs, welcome the Milwaukee Bucks to Spectrum Center to get their seasons underway. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 217 points and action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Odds
After a 44-38 regular season campaign, Milwaukee went to the playoffs as the seven seed in the Eastern Conference last season. They lost in the First Round to the Boston Celtics in seven games. Charlotte, meanwhile, was unable make the playoffs following a 36-46 regular season campaign.
Ball security could play a significant role in this showdown. In the 2017-18 season, Charlotte committed the third-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Milwaukee forced the third-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.7 percent). Additionally, the Bucks ranked 28th in offensive rebounding percentage (20.0 percent), while the Hornets ranked first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.7 percent).
The Bucks had records of 44-38 straight up (SU) and 39-49 against the spread (ATS) last season. Milwaukee games had a slight tendency to finish over the O/U total (51.1 percent).
The Hornets, meanwhile, were 36-46 SU and 35-44-3 ATS last season. Coinciding with Milwaukee, just over half of Charlotte’s games finished over the projected point total.
This was a highly competitive series last year, as the teams split their four games last season. In the most recent game, the Hornets won 111-106. Getting to the free throw line was one of Charlotte’s largest advantages. They had 40 free throw attempts, while Milwaukee had just 17.
Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
- The Bucks average 47.3 points in the paint per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. The Hornets rank 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.2).
- Charlotte ranks third in rebounds per game (45.5) while Milwaukee ranks last (39.7).
- The Bucks rank sixth in fast break points per game (14.5) while the Hornets rank 28th (9.3).
- Milwaukee ranks third in points off turnovers per game (17.9) while Charlotte ranks 19th (16.1).
- Milwaukee ranks 13th in assists per game (23.1) while Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.7).
- The Bucks rank third in steals per game (8.6) while the Hornets rank 27th (6.8).
- The Bucks average 5.5 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. The Hornets rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
- Charlotte ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.2) while Milwaukee ranks 25th (24.8).
- Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.6) while Milwaukee ranks 24th (13.2).
- Charlotte is 13-3 when they allow less than 100 points, while Milwaukee is 19-6.
- In games where they score above 100 points, the Hornets are 35-23 and the Bucks are 40-22.
