Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards odds, picks and predictions

Nathan Beighle | Staff Writer

The Washington Wizards (2-5) welcome the Charlotte Hornets (2-5) to Capital One Arena Friday. Tip for the in-season tournament group stage game is set for 7 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Hornets vs. Wizards odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: Wizards lead 1-0.

The Wizards beat the Hornets 132-116 in Charlotte Wednesday, covering as a 2.5-point road underdog. Washington is 1-1 straight up and 1-1 against the spread (ATS) at home this season. It is 4-3 ATS throughout all 7 games. The Wizards are led by F Kyle Kuzma, who is averaging 25 points per game on 50.7% shooting.

The Hornets are 1-2 straight up on the road and 2-1 ATS away from home. They are 3-4 ATS on the season and 5-2 O/U. Charlotte is 3-2 ATS as an underdog. It is led by G Terry Rozier, who is averaging 22 points per game, but is out. No. 2 overall pick F Brandon Miller is averaging 13.1 PP.

Hornets at Wizards odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 8:46 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Hornets +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Wizards -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +2.5 (-115) | Wizards -2.5 (-105)
Over/Under (O/U): 241.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Hornets at Wizards key injuries

Hornets

F Gordon Hayward (hamstring) probable
G Terry Rozier (groin) out

Wizards

None

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Hornets at Wizards picks and predictions

Prediction

Wizards 122, Hornets 116

Moneyline

BET WIZARDS (-125).

The Hornets shot better than the Wizards yet lost by 16 at home Wednesday. Their turnovers and defense are the key problems, and it is unlikely those are corrected anytime soon. The Hornets rank 20th in turnover rate and 28th in defensive rating.

Washington has had a difficult schedule over the last 10 days, losing to Philadelphia, Miami, Atlanta and Boston over its last 5 games. It should be able to down Charlotte at home, having covered 3 of its last 4.

Play Washington on the moneyline given the enticing value on them to win outright. Back WIZARDS (-125).

Against the spread

PASS.

Take Washington the moneyline to reduce the stress in case this is a close game. It is the better value here.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 241.5 (-105).

While the trends for both teams point to the Over being a strong play, this will be the highest total for each team this season. Charlotte is 5-2 O/U and Washington is 6-1 O/U.

However, both teams sit outside the top s7 in true shooting percentage, so relying on their offenses is worrisome. This should be a fast game, but with Rozier out, the Hornets firepower could also be limited.

Considering how high this total is and how the public will likely favor it, take UNDER 241.5 (-105).

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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