Spread & Over/Under Predictions: Hornets at Cavaliers

Can the Hornets cover the spread against Cleveland?

Each game day, we at All Hornets will release an article on our thoughts on the spread and the over/under of Charlotte Hornets games. The star ratings next to the play describe the overall confidence in that particular play.

Star ratings:

1 Star - Not very confident

2 Star - A little confident

3 Star - Fairly confident

4 Star - Very confident

5 Star - Should be a lock to happen

Spread: Hornets +9.5

2 Star play on the Hornets: Charlotte doesn't have LaMelo Ball again after sustaining another injury to his ankle shortly after his return, but there is still reason to believe the Hornets can cover. The Cavaliers are dead-last in the NBA in defensive efficiency (122.0) over their last 5 games, all of which have been losses after a blistering start to the season. The backcourt duo of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland can definitely score the basketball, but the perimeter defense on the other end is extremely exploitable for the likes of Terry Rozier and Dennis Smith Jr.. I'd still take the Cavaliers straight up, but a 9.5 point spread is a bit to rich for such a team that has had such a volatile start to their season. 

Over/Under: 221.5

4 Star play on the over: During their 5 game losing streak, the Cavaliers are surrendering an abysmal 118.8 PPG. The Hornets play with one of the fastest paces in the NBA and will surely be looking to take advantage of Cleveland's current defensive woes. Whether or not Jarret Allen plays (questionable, illness), could have a huge impact on this play, as the Cavaliers have defended and rebounded at a significantly better rate with him on the court. 

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