The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as formidable contenders on the road, continuing their impressive performance since just before Christmas. With an impressive record of 7-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last eight away games, the Hornets have showcased their ability to compete fiercely, including a dominant 27-point victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder and additional wins against other competitive teams.
In contrast, the Golden State Warriors have struggled to maintain consistency, holding a 2-4 ATS record in their last six games when favored by single digits. As the two teams prepare to face off, predictions suggest that the Hornets’ momentum will carry them further, especially following their strong showing against the Warriors in their previous encounter on New Year’s Eve, where they engaged in a thrilling contest that culminated in a close seven-point loss.
That game featured a combined total of 89 three-point attempts, with each team shooting over 40% from beyond the arc. Star players like Steph Curry, Brandin Podziemski, and LaMelo Ball each made pivotal contributions, hitting five three-pointers during that matchup. The Hornets, who have been on a streak since that game, have secured victories over teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and the Utah Jazz, the latter being an astonishing 55-point win.
As for the Warriors, they will have Curry available, disproving earlier concerns regarding his quad contusion. However, the team will miss Gui Santos due to a sprained ankle, which could affect their depth but is unlikely to significantly impact the game.
Analysts foresee an intriguing clash as both teams approach the game with notable trends in scoring. While both sides excel in three-point shooting, pace of play has not favored a high-scoring affair, as the Warriors rank 18th in tempo and the Hornets 25th. Recent games have seen lower scoring numbers, indicating potential value for those betting on the total points to be under.
Betting predictions suggest backing the Hornets at +7, alongside LaMelo Ball to make over 3.5 three-pointers, with expectations for the total points to remain under 234. Additionally, a parlay favoring Curry to fall under 4.5 three-pointers is recommended, as he has faced challenges in consistently hitting that mark recently while recovering from injury.
The Hornets’ road success and recent performances make them a team to watch, as they aim to capitalize on their current form against the Warriors at the Chase Center on Saturday. Given their trend of successful away games, fans and analysts alike are optimistic about their chances in this matchup.