By Stephen Nover
Hornets plus 2 at Cavaliers
I must admit, watching a Hornets-Cavaliers matchup wasn’t on my New Year’s resolution list. Peeling potatoes might be more enjoyable than viewing this game.
Handicapping-wise, though, I believe there’s money to be made backing the underdog Hornets and not just because the Cavaliers are 0-3 ATS when laying points this season.
This is Cleveland’s first game back from a three-game road trip. It’s the Cavaliers’ first home game in nine days and first of the new year. That could prove distracting for such a young and inexperienced team as the Cavaliers.
Charlotte is in stop-the-pain mode losers of six in a row. Among the defeats are two to the Celtics, one to the Jazz – who have won eight of their last nine games – and one in overtime to the Thunder, who have been playing their best ball.
The Hornets’ losing skid began with a road loss to Cleveland. The Cavaliers edged the Hornets, 100-98, on Dec. 18. The Hornets came from 24 points down to nearly pull the game out but Terry Rozier missed an open 3-pointer at the buzzer. The Cavaliers shot 54.1 percent from the floor in the win. Charlotte shot just 40.7 percent from the field yet came that close to winning.
Charlotte shouldn’t lack motivation in this quick revenge spot and there should not be such a large disparity in the shooting percentages. Cleveland ranks 27th in scoring and 22nd in field goal percentage at 44.5 percent. Charlotte is right next to Cleveland in the scoring and shooting percentage categories.
(I have a premium NBA play going today, too, in addition to this free selection. I am 31-19 on my NBA premium plays for 62 percent. I am 14-8 (64 percent) the past two seasons on my bowl plays and have my Bowl Game of the Year going today. I also am having a winning hockey season. If you are interested in my sports service please email me at scriber26@gmail.com, or message me via Twitter. Happy holidays and best of luck this coming year!)
