NBA Analysis & Pick Wizards @ Hornets
The Washington Wizards (6-23, 12-17 ATS, 12-16-1 O/U) have been in a season-long battle just to reach respectability in what has been an absolutely horrific start for the longtime NBA franchise. The New Orleans Hornets (18-9, 11-14-2 ATS, 10-17 O/U) are hoping to keep making strides as the 2008-09 regular season rolls along in the BetUS Sportsbook.
Tonight, both teams will be looking to extend their respective two-game winning streaks when they meet at New Orleans Arena.
The Wizards were outplayed in the fourth quarter, but held on to shock the Houston Rockets in their 89-87 upset victory on Monday. The Wizards won that game as a 12-point underdog, easily covering the spread for BetUS NBA betting enthusiasts everywhere.
Playing without fellow all-star Caron Butler, veteran all-star forward Antawn Jamison tossed in a game-high 30 points and hauled down 12 rebounds to pull off a double-double in the win.
“It’s about effort,” said center Andray Blatche, who’s averaging 12.8 points and 7.5 rebounds since moving into the starting lineup back on Dec. 15. “We’ve turned it around since the Cleveland game. We all came out together with a lot of effort, played hard and we realized what kind of team we can be. We’re just building from that game.”
The Hornets edged the Indiana Pacers 105-103 as a 5.5-point road favorite in the BetUS Sportsbook on Sunday. All-star point guard Chris Paul scored 19 points to go along with 12 assists for New Orleans while locker room leader James Posey also netted 19 points in the win and David West, 18 points.
Paul scored 11 points in the final 3:36 and found West, who hit a fadeaway jumper with 2.5 seconds remaining, to help lift New Orleans to victory
“I saw D. West right there and I know that’s what he does,” said Paul, who had 19 points and 12 assists for his Western Conference-leading 21st double-double. “I tight-roped a pass through there and he knocked it down as usual.”
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my in-depth analysis and NBA Free Pick.
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Washington’s last 5 games on the road
Washington is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games when playing New Orleans
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Washington’s last 5 games when playing New Orleans
New Orleans is 10-1 SU in its last 11 games when playing at home against Washington
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of New Orleans’s last 9 games
New Orleans is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of New Orleans’s last 5 games at home
NBA Odds
Washington Wizards +15 -110
New Orleans Hornets -15 -110
Over 184 -110
Under 184 -110
Analysis: I know the Wizards are a lowly bunch that is without two of its best players in Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas who hasn’t played all season, but I think their improved play the last two games shows that they at least know where their problems lie – in the effort department.
I say take the Wiz to cover the high spread as they come with a solid effort tonight, even on the road.
