The Dallas Mavericks (17-19) visit Spectrum Center to square off against the Charlotte Hornets (18-18). The Mavericks are 2.5-point underdogs and will try to put an end to a nine-game road losing streak. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 220 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 2, 2019.
Dallas Mavericks at Charlotte Hornets Betting Odds
The last time the Hornets played, they dismantled the Orlando Magic, 125-100, comfortably covering as 8.5-point favorites. The Mavericks, meanwhile, were blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-102, and were unable to cover as 7.5-point underdogs. The Charlotte game finished 13.5 points over the projected point total of 211.5, while the Dallas game hit the projected point total of 224.
Charlotte played a nearly flawless contest. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.353 (above their season average of 0.199) and a turnover percentage of 7.4 (better than their season average of 10.6). Orlando put up marks of 0.152 and 9.9, respectively, for those same stats. Dallas, on the other hand, did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the free throw line (26-34; 76.5 percent). Kemba Walker had a solid performance for Charlotte, finishing with 24 points and seven assists. Meanwhile, Harrison Barnes played a pivotal role for Dallas with 25 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent contest, the Hornets won 102-98. Charlotte won the rebounding battle. The Hornets had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. five), defensive rebounds (49 vs. 47) and total rebounds (62 vs. 52). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
Of the Mavericks’ 36 games, 19 have finished over the total. Dallas holds records of 17-19 straight up (SU) and 22-14 against the spread (ATS).
Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Hornets are involved, as 55.6 percent of their games have gone over the projected point total. Further, Charlotte is 18-18 SU and 19-17 ATS.
Luka Doncic has really been playing well recently for Dallas, averaging 24 points,6.2 assists,5.6 rebounds over the last five games.
Dallas might have a tough time creating turnovers. Charlotte ranks first in the NBA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 11.5 percent), while Dallas forces the 15th-most turnovers (13.7 percent).
Dallas Mavericks vs. Charlotte Hornets Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Mavericks rank 12 in second chance points per game (13.61111111111111) while the Hornets rank 19 in second chance points allowed per game (13.88888888888889).
- Dallas averages 34.0 three pointers per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Charlotte ranks 29th in three pointers allowed per game (33.9).
- The Hornets rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.0) while the Mavericks rank 20th (17.6).
- Dallas ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (43.1) while Charlotte ranks 23rd (46.4).
- Dallas ranks 18 in assists allowed per game (24.083333333333332) while Charlotte ranks 26 (25.555555555555557).
- The Mavericks rank sixth in blocks allowed per game (4.4) while the Hornets rank 29th (6.7).
- The Hornets rank 16 in fast break points allowed per game (13.63888888888889) while the Mavericks rank last (17).
- Charlotte ranks fourth in steals allowed per game (7.1) while Dallas ranks 25th (8.8).
- Dallas is 4-2 when they allow under 100 points, while Charlotte is 6-0.
- The Hornets and Mavericks are both 17-17 when they reach the century mark.
- Charlotte is 12-9 ATS at home, while Dallas is 8-10 ATS on the road.
- Of the Mavericks’ 18 road games, they have 10 overs, 7 unders and 1 push.
- The Hornets have 11 overs and 10 unders in 21 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Mavericks are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Hornets are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Dallas has 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push, while Charlotte has 4 overs and 1 under.
- The Mavericks have been outscored by an average of 4.0 points in their last five games. On the season, Dallas has defeated opponents by an average of 0.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 117.2 points per game (3.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.0 points per game (2.9 above their season average).
