NBA Saturday game preview – Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks, following a 119-112 loss to the Utah jazz, look to snap a four-game losing streak as they host the Charlotte Hornets Saturday night. The Hornets are slight favorites on the road, with the majority of the public so far selecting Charlotte to cover. The Hornets are 2-point favorites in most books across Vegas.
AccuScore, however, has a slightly different take on this matchup.
Key Betting Trend(s)
- The Hornets are 4-3 against the spread (ATS) over their last seven games.
- The Mavericks are also 4-3 ATS in their last seven overall.
Odds
Money Line
- Mavs to win in regular time: 2.18
- Hornets to win in regular time: 1.80
Total
- OVER: 1.55
- UNDER: 2.71
What to Watch For
Harrison Barnes Trending Up: Barnes has had a nice stretch over the last month or so, averaging 22 points on 45 percent shooting from the field since the end of February. He’s also been pulling down five rebounds and 3 assists per over that stretch, to go along with six trips to the free-throw line.
Barnes is projected to finish with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists Saturday night.
Dennis Returns to the Lineup.: Dennis Smith Jr. has been out the last two games with an ankle injury, but is projected to return to the lineup Saturday night. In his last game prior to the injury, Smith had 21 points on 53 percent shooting.
Smith Jr. is projected to finish with 14 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds.
Player Prop Bet Picks
- Kemba Walker – UNDER 23.5 points at 1.85 — He averages 21.6 points per simulated matchup.
- Dirk Nowitzki – UNDER 12.5 at 1.85 — He averages 12.0 points per simulated matchup.
Analyst’s Pick
Mavs cover and win as the home ‘dogs.
The odds — at 2.18 — indicate the Mavs have about a 45 percent chance of winning this game. They win over 62 percent of simulated matchups, though, providing a ton of value on them at 2.18. We’re always interested when the betting odds and AccuScore simulation data are on opposite sides of the money line.
Category: Basketball
