Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets Prediction, Preview, and Odds

The Charlotte Hornets (5-11) go on the road to play the Brooklyn Nets (9-8) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET. Charlotte is coming off a 115-91 loss to the New York Knicks. Brooklyn, meanwhile, beat the Toronto Raptors 115-103 on Tuesday.

Hornets Conclude Three-Game Road Trip

Charlotte is set to end their three-game road trip and enters the matchup coming off a 115-91 loss to the New York Knicks. In the loss, the Hornets started slowly as they trailed 29-16 after the first quarter but did close the gap slightly in the second quarter. However, Charlotte was outscored 62-47 in the second half to lose. In the loss, the Hornets were led by Brandon Miller who had 18 points, Mark Williams had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, Miles Bridges had 13 points, and Terry Rozier had 11 points.

The Hornets have struggled mightily defensively this season as Charlotte is allowing 121.8 PPG which ranks 27th in the NBA as opponents are shooting 37.1% from three and 49% from the field, with a defensive rating of 120.3 which is dead-last. Offensively, the Hornets are averaging 112.7 PPG with an offensive rating of 111.4 which ranks 23rd.

Charlotte has no one on the injury report.

Nets On Three-Game Win Streak

Brooklyn has been very balanced this season as the Nets are averaging 115.3 PPG which ranks 11th while Brooklyn's offensive rating is 116.7 which ranks ninth. The Nets are shooting 47% from the field and 38.9% from three while defensively allowing opponents to shoot 45.1% from the field and 35% from three. Brooklyn is allowing 113.9 PPG and their defensive rating is 115.2 which ranks 20th.

The Nets are on a three-game win streak and coming off a 115-103 win over the Toronto Raptors, in a game they outscored the Raptors 39-28 in the fourth quarter to secure the win. In the victory, Brooklyn was led by Mikal Bridges who had a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds, Spencer Dinwiddie had 23 points, Cameron Johnson had 18 points, Nic Claxton had 15 points, and off the bench, Royce O'Neale had 18 points.

Brooklyn will be without Ben Simmons, Cam Thomas, and Dennis Smith Jr., while Noah Clowney is day-to-day.

Best Bets

Full-Game Side Bet

Rating:

The Hornets will end their road trip with a tough game against the Brooklyn Nets, and it's a good spot to take Brooklyn to cover the spread. Charlotte has arguably the worst defense in the NBA and has struggled in the second half, which is where the Nets have found success. The Hornets will have a hard time containing this Brooklyn offense which can shoot the ball well. Also, Charlotte is 6-10 against the spread while the Nets are 13-3-1 ATS and as a home favorite is 5-0.

Take Brooklyn here to cover.

Prediction: Brooklyn -8

Full-Game Total Pick

Rating:

The over is also the way to go in this matchup as it features two lackluster defenses that should allow for plenty of fast breaks and open shots. Both offenses are also good enough offensively to score enough points on these defenses. Meanwhile, this season, Charlotte is 10-6 in hitting the over while Brooklyn is 9-8. Finally, the Hornets are playing at a pace of 102.9 which is tied for sixth while the Nets ranks 21st at 100.7, but whenever Charlotte plays it is always a fast-paced game and that should be no different here.

Take the over.

Prediction: Over 226.5

Cole Shelton graduated from Sheridan College in 2017 and while he was there, began enamored with sports betting. He grew up watching all the major sports in NHL, NBA, MLB, NFL and has since begun covering MMA as well. Cole has a proven track record as a winning bettor for past sites before joining SaltStat. He currently covers MMA at BJPENN among other sites and all sports at CBC Sports in Canada along with his work at SaltStat.