The Charlotte Hornets (10-18) clash against the Portland Trail Blazers (15-13) at Spectrum Center. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Prediction
In the Trail Blazers’ last game, they topped the Orlando Magic, 95-88. Portland’s 0.477 effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Orlando, who had a mark of 0.440. The Trail Blazers’ mark was below their season average of 0.498, while the Magic’s was below their season average of 0.526. CJ McCollum played a pivotal role for Portland with 20 points.
The Hornets fell to the Miami Heat in their last matchup, 104-98. Miami’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Charlotte. The Heat had a rate of 0.571 (above their season average of 0.527), while the Hornets posted a mark of 0.470. Charlotte’s Dwight Howard recorded 15 points and 16 rebounds in the game.
The ineffective offense of Charlotte (22nd in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 103.2) will square off against the elite defense of Portland (third in the league with a defensive efficiency of 102.2). The Trail Blazers should have the advantage on that end of the court.
Portland heads into the game with records of 15-13 straight up (SU) and 11-13-3 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to place the total high when the Trail Blazers are involved, as 19 of their 27 games have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Charlotte owns records of 10-18 SU and 11-14-2 ATS. Games including the Hornets also have finished under the O/U total 51.9 percent of the time.
Howard has averaged 21.8 points, 12.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks over the last five games for Charlotte.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the most recent game, the Trail Blazers won 115-98. The Trail Blazers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (22.0 vs. 7.0) and had a better turnover percentage (7.2 vs. 8.7).
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Charlotte Hornets Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Portland is 7-4-1 ATS with 8 unders and 4 overs.
Charlotte is 8-6 ATS at home with 8 unders and 6 overs.
When holding opponents below 100 points, Portland is 11-3 and Charlotte is 5-1.
The Trail Blazers are 12-6 when they score over 100 points, while the Hornets are 10-7.
Portland ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (25.2) while Charlotte ranks 27th (31.5).
The Trail Blazers rank first in assists allowed per game (18.2) while the Hornets rank 17th (22.9).
Portland ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.4) while Charlotte ranks 20th (4.5).
The Trail Blazers rank fifth in rebounds allowed per game (41.3) while the Hornets rank 20th (44.0).
Charlotte ranks 14th in points in the paint per game (43.5) while Portland ranks 27th (40.1).
The Hornets rank first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.4) while the Trail Blazers rank 12th (16.1).
Charlotte ranks 19th in fast break points per game (9.4) while Portland ranks 29th (5.2).
The Hornets rank fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while the Trail Blazers rank 12th (7.9).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.1) while Portland ranks seventh (11.3).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Portland is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Charlotte is 1-3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Trail Blazers have been outscored by an average of 2.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Portland has defeated opponents by an average of 2.1 points.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 104.0 points per game (0.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 108.8 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
