The Charlotte Hornets (4-4) go head-to-head against the Oklahoma City Thunder (2-4) at Spectrum Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports Carolina.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 226.5 points with Charlotte opening as a 1.5-point favorite.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets Free Prediction
In the Thunder’s last outing, they easily covered the 3.5-point spread against the Los Angeles Clippers, 128-110. The total points for the game (238) finished over the O/U total of 228.5. The Thunder forced 24 turnovers and held the Clippers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.8 (below their season average of 22.7). Paul George had a good outing for Oklahoma City, putting up 32 points and 12 rebounds.
The Hornets defeated the Miami Heat in their last contest, 125-113, comfortably covering as 3.5-point favorites. The total points for the game (238) finished well over the O/U total of 221. The Hornets knocked down 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.623 (above their season average of 0.523). Tony Parker was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball protection could play an integral role in this contest. Dating back to last season, Charlotte has committed the second-fewest miscues in the NBA (turnover percentage of 12.1 percent), while the pesky defense of Oklahoma City has forced the most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.4 percent). Moreover, the Thunder rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 percent), while the Hornets rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.4 percent).
Oklahoma City heads into the contest with records of 2-4 straight up (SU) and 2-4 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has been spot on when setting the O/U total of Thunder games, with an even split between overs and unders.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is 4-4 SU and 6-2 ATS. Hornets games tend to finish over the O/U total (62.5 percent).
These two teams split two games last season. In the last matchup, the Thunder won 101-91. The Thunder’s 7.8 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Hornets, who had a mark of 13.1.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Charlotte Hornets ATS Pick
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Oklahoma City is 23-6 when they allow under 100 points, while Charlotte is 14-3.
The Hornets are 39-27 when they score above 100 points, while the Thunder are 48-21.
Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.2) while Charlotte ranks 29th (6.8).
The Thunder rank fourth in fast break points per game (15.2) while the Hornets rank 27th (9.4).
Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.7) while Oklahoma City ranks 18th (12.8).
The Thunder rank first in points off turnovers per game (19.1) while the Hornets rank 16th (16.4).
Oklahoma City averages 45.2 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Charlotte ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.9).
The Thunder rank 14th in assists allowed per game (23.0) while the Hornets rank 25th (24.6).
Oklahoma City ranks 10th in blocks per game (5.0) while Charlotte ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.1).
The Thunder rank 12th in three pointers attempted per game (30.2) while the Hornets rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.3).
Oklahoma City ranks 17th in points in the paint per game (44.0) while Charlotte ranks 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.5).
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