The Charlotte Hornets (4-5) take on the Cleveland Cavaliers (1-7) at the Spectrum Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, November 3, 2018, and will air on Fox Sports Carolina.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 226 points with Charlotte opening as a 9.5-point favorite.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets Free Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last outing, they were blown out by the Denver Nuggets, 110-91, and were unable to cover as 5-point underdogs. The game’s total points (201) came in well under the O/U total of 217.5. Denver’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Cleveland. The Nuggets had a rate of 38.9 (above their season average of 27.0), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 30.2. Jordan Clarkson was Cleveland’s high scorer with 17 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Hornets fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their last matchup, 111-107, despite being 1-point favorites. The game’s total points (218) were under the projected point total of 231. Oklahoma City’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Charlotte. The Thunder had a rate of 8.4 (better than their season average of 12.3), while the Hornets posted a mark of 14.2 (above their season average of 9.8). With 21 points on 7-for-16 shooting, Kemba Walker was Charlotte’s high scorer.
The Cavaliers won all three meetings against the Hornets last season. In the last matchup, Cleveland won 118-105. The Cavaliers’ 5.6 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Hornets, who had a mark of 13.1.
Cleveland holds records of 1-7 straight up (SU) and 4-4 against the spread (ATS). Of the Cavaliers’ eight games, five have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is 4-5 SU and 6-3 ATS. Games including the Hornets also tend to finish over the projected point total (55.6 percent).
Charlotte should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Dating back to last season, Charlotte ranks second in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.1 percent), while Cleveland has forced the fifth-fewest turnovers (12.8 percent). Also, the Cavaliers, who rank 22nd in offensive rebounding percentage (21.4 percent), might struggle to get put-back points against the Hornets, who rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.3 percent).
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Charlotte Hornets Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Cavaliers, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
Charlotte is 14-3 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Cleveland is 22-6.
When reaching the century mark, the Cavaliers are 59-26 and the Hornets are 39-28.
Charlotte ranks fifth in rebounds per game (45.4) while Cleveland ranks 24th (42.1).
The Cavaliers rank fourth in blocks allowed per game (4.3) while the Hornets rank 19th (5.1).
Charlotte ranks second in second chance points allowed per game (10.8) while Cleveland ranks 16th (12.6).
The Cavaliers rank seventh in three pointers attempted per game (31.1) while the Hornets rank 20th in three pointers allowed per game (30.4).
Cleveland ranks 17th in fast break points per game (11.8) while Charlotte ranks 28th (9.6).
The Hornets rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.6) while the Cavaliers rank 12th (16.1).
Charlotte ranks third in steals allowed per game (6.6) while Cleveland ranks 10th (7.3).
The Cavaliers rank 19th in assists per game (22.3) while the Hornets rank 23rd in assists allowed per game (24.6).
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