The Charlotte Hornets will play against the Utah Jazz at home on Monday at 7 p.m. ET. The Hornets have a record of 18-56 this season, and the Jazz are 16-59. Historically, the Jazz have been more successful in head-to-head games recently, winning 11 out of the last 14 against Charlotte. However, the Jazz have been struggling away from home, losing their last 16 road games.
For this game, the Hornets are slight favorites, with a 1.5-point spread according to the latest odds. The total points over/under is set at 219.5. Betting models suggest considering the under for total points in this matchup.
The Hornets are looking to turn things around after losing their fifth game in a row. In their recent loss to the Pelicans, they were narrowly defeated 98-94, despite strong performances from players like Jusuf Nurkić and Miles Bridges.
Charlotte will aim to take advantage of the Jazz`s poor road form. Utah`s defense has been weak this season, allowing an average of 120.2 points per game, which is among the highest in the NBA.
On the other side, the Jazz are also on a losing streak, having lost their last five games. Their most recent defeat was against the Nuggets, 129-93. Despite their overall poor record, the Jazz might feel confident playing the Hornets based on their recent head-to-head record. They have won 11 of their last 14 games against Charlotte and have also covered the spread in 4 out of their last 5 meetings.
A key factor for the Hornets is their struggling offense, especially without their leading scorer LaMelo Ball, who is out for the season. They are one of the lowest-scoring teams in the league, averaging only 105.5 points per game.
Predictions suggest considering the Under for the game total. Advanced models indicate a strong probability of the point spread being covered in this game, with simulations showing a nearly 70% chance of success. For detailed picks and further analysis, refer to sports betting resources.
Jasper Hawthorne