The Charlotte Hornets (15-30) take on the Milwaukee Bucks (39-6) at AccorHotels Arena. The game will air on NBATV at 3 p.m. ET on Friday, January 24, 2020.
The Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 219 points with Milwaukee opening as a 13.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Prediction
Although the Bucks defeated the Chicago Bulls in their last matchup, 111-98, they were not able to cover as 15.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (209) came in well under the O/U total of 225.5. Milwaukee made 11 of their 26 three pointers (42.3 percent). Chicago, meanwhile, held the Bucks to an offensive rebounding percentage of 8.6 (below their season average of 20.9). Milwaukee rallied around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who collected 28 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists. This gave him his third triple-double of the season.
In the Hornets’ last outing, they got blown out by the Orlando Magic, 106-83. They were not able to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The total points for the game (189) came in well under the projected point total of 205. Orlando’s 8.6 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Charlotte, who had a rate of 17.5. The Magic’s mark was better than their season average of 11.1, while the Hornets’ was above their season average of 13.0. With 20 points on 8-for-13 shooting, Malik Monk was Charlotte’s leading scorer.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Devonte’ Graham scored a game-high 24 points in the first matchup, in which the Hornets lost 137-96, unable to cover as 14-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 233 points, which was 7 points above the projected point total of 226 points. The Bucks had a better turnover percentage (6.4 vs. 10.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.667 vs. 0.441).
Milwaukee comes into the game with records of 39-6 straight up (SU) and 25-20 against the spread (ATS). Of the Bucks’ 45 games, 23 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, Charlotte is 15-30 SU and 21-22-2 ATS. Unlike Milwaukee, a little over half of Hornets games have finished over the total.
The ineffective offense of Charlotte will clash against the top-notch defense of Milwaukee. The Hornets currently rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Bucks are first in defensive efficiency. The Bucks should have the advantage on that end of the court. This contest should be a battle of conflicting styles. The quick-paced Bucks rank first in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Hornets rank 30th.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Pick
NBA Prediction: ATS Winner – Bucks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
When allowing less than 100 points, Milwaukee is 11-0 and Charlotte is 3-0.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Bucks are 39-6 and the Hornets are 13-16.
Milwaukee ranks first in rebounds per game (51.7) while Charlotte ranks 27th (42.6).
The Bucks rank first in points allowed in the paint per game (38.3) while the Hornets rank 26th (51.6).
Milwaukee averages 26.0 assists per game, which ranks fifth in the NBA. Charlotte ranks last in assists allowed per game (27.0).
The Bucks rank first in fast break points per game (18.8) while the Hornets rank 24th (11.7).
Charlotte ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (34.6) while Milwaukee ranks last in three pointers allowed per game (39.0).
The Bucks rank third in blocks per game (6.3) while the Hornets rank 22nd (4.3).
Milwaukee ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (11.0) while Charlotte ranks 19th (13.3).
The Bucks rank 16th in steals per game (7.7) while the Hornets rank 27th (6.6).
Milwaukee averages 17.4 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 18th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.3).
Over its last five games, Milwaukee is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Charlotte is 2-3 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over its last five games.
The Bucks’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 12.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 93.0 points per game (10.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.0 points per game (4.5 below their season average).