Charlotte (15-40 SU, 23-29-3 ATS, 27-27-1 O/U) travels to Washington D.C. on Wednesday night to meet the Wizards (24-29 SU, 24-26-3 ATS, 25-25-3 O/U) at Capital One Arena at 7pmET.
Both teams are struggling in the Eastern Conference with the Hornets ranking 14th, while Washington is 12th in the league after losing three straight games. These teams have played three times this season with Washington winning twice, but Charlotte covering twice. All three games were played in late 2022.
Ben Hayes has been rolling in CBB as of late, going 19-10 in his last 29 CBB best bets after winning with Miami-Fla. over Duke on Monday and UConn on Tuesday. He will keep it rolling today with his best play of the day on Wednesday in college basketball.
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Rough season
Charlotte is on a four-game losing streak where they covered just one game. They should be used to it, because they have also had losing streaks of eight games (twice), five straight and four straight (twice). Injuries have been and issue all season with leading scorer LaMelo Ball (23.3ppg, 8.1apg) playing in just 28 of the team's 55 games. Yet, here we stand, about 48 hours before the trade deadline with Charlotte not having made a big deal. Terry Rozier has been linked to many teams along with forward P.J. Washington and center Mason Plumlee.
This is also the wonder of handicapping a game where a team could sit a few starters or key players who they may trade. All three played in Charlotte's 119-113 home loss to Orlando on Sunday. Ball led the way with 33 points on 13-of-24 shooting with six assists, while Rozier added 24 points. Scoring was not the issue as they shot 54% from the field, but also turned the ball over 15 times. The Magic crushed the Hornets on the boards (52-39) and shot 27 of 30 (90%) from the line.
Absolute BANGER@PJWashington | @drpepper | @HornetsOnBally | #ad pic.twitter.com/Ccg0Qs3xS5
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 5, 2023
The Hornets have struggled in every defensive category, allowing 118.6 points per game (28th) on 48.1% shooting (24th) and 36.6% (23rd) from three-point range. Offensively, they average 112 points per game (25th) on 45.2% (29th) and 32.2% shooting (30th).
Wiz are streaking the wrong way
After winning six straight games, Washington has lost three straight to Portland (124-116), Brooklyn (125-123) on the road and to Cleveland (114-91) at home. The good news about the Cleveland loss is that the Wizards did not blow a 20+-point lead as they did against the Nets and Trailblazers. They were never really in the game against the Cavaliers and they played without Kyle Kuzma (ankle) and Brad Beal (foot). Kristaps Porzingisled the Wiz with 18 points and seven rebounds. Washington was a pathetic 6-of-28 from long distance against Cleveland. They also were defenseless as they allowed the Cavs to shoot 56% from the field and 12-of-29 (41%) from three-point range.
KP on cleanup 👀
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) February 7, 2023
flight of the week x @NATCA ✈️ pic.twitter.com/yee9q2hBT9
When it comes to defensive rating, Washington is 15th according to DunksandThrees.com. They rank 6th in field goal defense and 14th in three-point defense (35.9%). The problem on offense is three-point shooting (35.1%), but it really is the health of Beal. The former All-Star has played in just 35 of the team's 53 games, averaging 22.4 points and 5.1 assists on 51.5% shooting and 36.5% three-point shooting. His offensive numbers are solid, but his defensive field goal percentage is 45.1%.
Washington has already traded Rui Hachimura. It doesn't appear that they will make any major moves before Thursday.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
With Beal and Kuzma listed as questionable, there was no line at press time. But either way, Charlotte has the talent to cover this game. Rozier and Ball are a tough cover for Monte Morris and Corey Kispert or even Beal if he plays. Before their four-game losing streak, Charlotte had beaten Miami and Chicago at home. Washington hasn't recovered yet from their two blown leads against Portland and Brooklyn. Maybe taking the Hornets for the game and the Wizards for the first half might be the way to go. Of course, check for injuries before you wager.
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Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
When you have a healthy Ball, you know you are going to push the tempo. The Hornets rank 8th in the league in pace of play according to DunksandThrees.com. Porzingis should have a big game after struggling from three-point range against Cleveland and their interior defense is much better than Charlotte's. Washington has allowed nearly 120 points per game over their last three games.
