The Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks get their seasons underway at Spectrum Center. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 17, 2018.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 217 points with Milwaukee opening as a 2-point favorite.
Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets Free Prediction
Last season, Milwaukee went 44-38 in the regular season, earning them the seven seed in the Eastern Conference. They were defeated in the First Round by the Boston Celtics in seven games. Meanwhile, Charlotte was unable reach the playoffs following a 36-46 regular season.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play a key role in this meeting. In the 2017-18 season, Charlotte committed the third-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 12.2 percent), while the pesky defense of Milwaukee forced the third-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 14.7 percent). Also, put-back points figure to be few and far between for the Bucks. They ranked 28th in the league in offensive rebounding percentage at 20.0 percent, while the Hornets were the best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 80.7 percent).
Last season, the Bucks had records of 44-38 straight up (SU) and 39-49 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of Milwaukee’s games finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, the Hornets owned records of 36-46 SU and 35-44-3 ATS last season. Games involving Charlotte also had a slight tendency to go over the O/U total (52.4 percent).
These two teams split four games last season. In the last game, the Hornets won 111-106. The Hornets made 30 of their 40 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (24.3 vs. 17.1).
Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets ATS Pick
Free NBA Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Milwaukee is 19-6 when they allow less than 100 points, while Charlotte is 13-3.
The Bucks are 40-22 when they score more than 100 points, while the Hornets are 35-23.
Charlotte ranks third in rebounds per game (45.5) while Milwaukee ranks last (39.7).
The Bucks rank third in steals per game (8.6) while the Hornets rank 27th (6.8).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.6) while Milwaukee ranks 24th (13.2).
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).
The Bucks rank fourth in blocks per game (5.5) while the Hornets rank 19th in blocks allowed per game (4.9).
Milwaukee ranks 13th in assists per game (23.1) while Charlotte ranks 26th in assists allowed per game (24.7).
The Bucks rank seventh in points in the paint per game (47.3) while the Hornets rank 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.2).
Charlotte ranks 21st in three pointers attempted per game (27.2) while Milwaukee ranks 25th (24.8).
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