The Charlotte Hornets (12-41) host the Atlanta Hawks (24-30) in a Wednesday night game. The home team is only three slots higher than the visitors in the Eastern Conference standings. However, an 11.5-game gap exists between the two teams. Additionally, some players expect to hold off on playing until after the All-Star game. Notably, LaMelo Ball is not likely to play this week, although his playmaking will be missed.
The oddsmakers have the hosts as sizable favorites. But the spread is close enough that a win would not be completely unexpected. Do you see both teams struggling to score points with all of the dysfunction and noise going on around these teams?
Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Charlotte Hornets | +7 -115 |
O 238.5 -110 |
+210 |
| Atlanta Hawks | -7 -105 |
U 238.5 -110 |
-258 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook** | |||
Fixture: Atlanta Hawks @ Charlotte Hornets
Date And Time: February 14, 2024 @ 7:00 p.m. EST
Location: SpectrumCenter in Charlotte, North Carolina
Key Stats
Charlotte Hornets (Averages)
Points: 108.4
Points Allowed: 119.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 40.8/88.7 for 46.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.9/33.0 for 36.1%
Free Throw Efficiency: 14.9/19.0 for 78.4%
Rebounds: 10.1 Offensive, 31.0 Defensive, 41.1 Combined
Assists: 24.8
Steals: 6.5
Blocks: 4.7
Turnovers: 13.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.1/87.5 for 50.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.7/34.8 for 39.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.0/22.7 for 79.3%
Rebounds Against: 9.8 Offensive, 34.9 Defensive, 44.7 Combined
Sticking to the basketball side, the Charlotte Hornets remain a team looking to string together wins. Currently sitting at the 13th seed in the East, it’s not only about that. It’s how they’ve often looked completely outmatched and overshadowed by other teams. However, they are on a two-game winning streak. Additionally, LaMelo Ball expects to return after the All-Star game. Therefore things start looking better for this team. Putting together a string performance tonight will certainly help.
Miles Bridges needs to be huge tonight for his team. He averages 26.8 points per game over the last ten days. Additionally, Brandon Miller is likely to have a huge game tonight as well. He is coming off a 12-point outing and is looking to return to his usual 20-point performances tonight against the Atlanta Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks (Averages)
Points: 121.7
Points Allowed: 123.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.7/93.6 for 46.7%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.8/38.1 for 36.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 20.5/25.2 for 81.1%
Rebounds: 13.0 Offensive, 31.9 Defensive, 44.9 Combined
Assists: 26.3
Steals: 7.6
Blocks: 4.5
Turnovers: 12.7
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 46.0/91.6 for 50.2%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 14.0/36.2 for 38.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.9/22.8 for 78.6%
Rebounds Against: 11.2 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 44.7 Combined
Onyeka Okongwu and Clint Capela are ruled out for tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. However, this team still has Trae Young, the guard is averaging 27.0 PPG this season. But the issues lie on defense. They allow the most points in the NBA. Additionally, the team is looking to move in a different direction. Rumors circulate that the Hawks are more intent on keeping Dejounte Murray over the star point guard. Regardless, losing hurts teams. This is seen not only in their records but also in how teammates interact with each other. A rolling snowball is hard to stop at full speed while going downhill.
Game Prediction
The Hawks can easily win this game. Especially if Young erupts tonight against the Charlotte Hornets. However, they are just as likely to win a game 144-143 than anything else. Especially with Bridges and Miller operating down low, the home team should be able to stay within striking distance. Also, without Capela, you wonder how an already bad interior defense will look in terms of rim protection.
Therefore I like how the spread gives the Hornets nearly double-digits. Yes, the Hawks can win tonight, but I see it being a toss-up. Additionally, the over will be over constant threat tonight. Therefore, too much scoring and a lack of defense is a good recipe for this to hit. But ultimately I do not see enough scoring contributors on either side.
Final Pick
Charlotte Hornets +7 and Under 238.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! For more great content, check us out on X @TotalApexSports. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Make sure you follow us on NewsBreak as well.
