It will be a battle between Southeast Division opponents when the Washington Wizards (41-34) welcome the Charlotte Hornets (34-42) to Capital One Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 31, 2018, and will air on NBATV.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Washington Wizards Free Prediction
In the Hornets’ last outing, they were defeated by the Cleveland Cavaliers, 118-105. Cleveland’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Charlotte. The Cavaliers had a rate of 5.6 (better than their season average of 12.5), while the Hornets posted a mark of 13.1. Dwight Howard had a solid game for Charlotte, contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds.
The Wizards fell to the Detroit Pistons in their last contest, 103-92. Detroit’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Washington. The Pistons had a rate of 0.179 (above their season average of 0.168), while the Wizards posted a mark of 0.135 (below their season average of 0.200). With 10 points and 12 rebounds, Washington’s Marcin Gortat had a good performance.
The aggressive Charlotte offense might be getting to the free throw line a lot in this matchup. The Hornets currently rank second in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.232, while Washington ranks 24th in FTA rate allowed (0.211).
Charlotte holds records of 34-42 straight up (SU) and 31-41-4 against the spread (ATS). Games featuring the Hornets have gone over the total 50.0 percent of the time.
Meanwhile, Washington owns records of 41-34 SU and 33-40-2 ATS. Unlike Charlotte, a little over half of Wizards games have finished under the O/U total.
Kelly Oubre Jr. has averaged 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.2 steals over the last five games for Washington.
The Hornets have emerged victorious in all three contests against the Wizards this year, including a 122-105 victory the last time these teams met. Charlotte covered as a 4-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 227 points, which was 16 points above the projected point total of 211 points. The Hornets had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 13.7) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.2 vs. 17.6). Despite the loss, Bradley Beal was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points.
Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Wizards, ATS Winner – Wizards, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Charlotte is 14-20-3 ATS with 19 unders, 17 overs and 1 push.
Washington is 13-23-2 ATS at home with 19 overs, 17 unders and 2 pushes.
Charlotte is 12-3 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Washington is 18-4.
When reaching the century mark, the Wizards are 38-18 and the Hornets are 33-20.
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.4) while Washington ranks 25th (13.3).
The Wizards rank fourth in assists per game (25.1) while the Hornets rank 26th (21.3).
Washington ranks 10th in steals per game (7.9) while Charlotte ranks 28th (6.9).
The Hornets rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.3) while the Wizards rank 18th (17.1).
Charlotte ranks third in rebounds per game (45.4) while Washington ranks 19th (43.1).
The Wizards rank 15th in fast break points per game (11.5) while the Hornets rank 27th (9.1).
Charlotte ranks 18th in points in the paint per game (43.8) while Washington ranks 19th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.7).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Washington is 1-4 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Hornets’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.4, up from 0.0 for the season.
During their last five games, the Wizards have scored an average of 99.0 points per game (7.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.2 points per game (2.7 below their season average).
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