Milwaukee Bucks at Charlotte Hornets odds, picks and predictions

Ryan Dodson | Staff Writer

The Milwaukee Bucks (7-4) and Charlotte Hornets (4-7) square off Friday in the in-season tournament with tip-off from Spectrum Center set for 8 p.m. ET. Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's lines around the Bucks vs. Hornets odds and make our expert NBA picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting; Bucks won 2-1 last season

The Bucks were victorious Wednesday, 128-112, against the Toronto Raptors. Even more impressive was they did it without F Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the game with a calf strain. G Damian Lillard had his best game in his new uniform with 37 points and 13 assists.

The Hornets have lost 4 of 5 as they fell to the Miami Heat 111-105 Tuesday. G LaMelo Ball had 28 points, 11 assists and 6 boards while F P.J. Washington balled out with 32 points. They are just 1-4 at home on the young season.

Bucks at Hornets odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access Paste BN Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:13 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Bucks -300 (bet $300 to win $100) | Hornets +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Against the spread (ATS): Bucks -7.5 (-105) | Hornets +7.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 238.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Bucks at Hornets key injuries

Bucks

F Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) game-time decision
F Jae Crowder (groin) out

Hornets

F Gordon Hayward (hamstring) game-time decision
G Terry Rozier (groin) out

For most recent updates: Official NBA injury report.

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Bucks at Hornets picks and predictions

Prediction

Bucks 121, Hornets 111

Moneyline

With such a steep moneyline, the books must expect Antetokounmpo to play. I'm a little more weary as a calf strain generally isn't something you can bounce back from that quickly. The Hornets also don't pose the kind of threat that you'd rush your superstar back from. Either way, I like the Bucks here, but not at this price.

PASS and look to the spread.

Against the spread

The Bucks are just 2-8-1 ATS this season as they've struggled to dominate the way the talent on the floor says they should. Charlotte is just 5-5 ATS and 2-3 at home. The Hornets covered in 2 of 3 games against Milwaukee last season, but the Bucks would have hit this number twice.

Take the BUCKS -7.5 (-105).

Over/Under

With Giannis banged up, I don't like this total. Both teams play at a high pace with the Bucks tied for 10th and Hornets 7th in the league, but they combine for 232 points per game. The Bucks are 7-4 O/U, and Charlotte is 7-3. This number would have cashed twice last season. It's too steep for me, though.

Take the UNDER 238.5 (-110).

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

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