The Charlotte Hornets (14-42) travel to the Portland Trailblazers (15-40) tonight. Neither team has played well. Additionally, this will be the first of their two matchups. However, the trends of both of these sides are drastically different.
On the one hand, the visitors look improved and are improving. They started their year too slow to threaten post-season play. But if the season started right now, they’d be in consideration to be one of the top ten teams in the Eastern Conference. Conversely, the hosts are bad and don’t have much room for hope.
However, the home team is favored tonight. Do you see them getting the job done tonight?
Charlotte Hornets vs Portland Trailblazers Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Charlotte Hornets | +3 -108 |
O 215 -108 |
+130 |
| Portland Trailblazers | -3 -112 |
U 215 -112 |
-155 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Charlotte Hornets @ Portland Trailblazers
Date And Time: February 25, 2024 @ 9:00 p.m. EST
Location: Moda Center in Portland, Oregon
Key Stats
Charlotte Hornets (Averages)
Points: 108.3
Points Allowed: 118.8
Field Goal Efficiency: 40.7/88.8 for 45.8%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 12.1/33.4 for 36.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 14.9/18.9 for 78.6%
Rebounds: 10.2 Offensive, 31.0 Defensive, 41.2 Combined
Assists: 24.9
Steals: 6.7
Blocks: 4.7
Turnovers: 13.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.7/87.6 for 49.9%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.5/35.0 for 38.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.9/22.5 for 79.7%
Rebounds Against: 10.1 Offensive, 35.0 Defensive, 45.1 Combined
As mentioned, Charlotte is an improved team. notably, the new pieces have integrated faster than expected. Especially, with their cornerpiece sticking around, at least for now, this Charlotte Hornets team will win some games down the stretch. However, the return of LaMelo Ball looms over the team. When healthy, he’s one of the NBA’s better playmakers and players to watch on YouTube the next morning. Unfortunately, his injury history remains a concern.
But speaking of the center-piece, Miles Bridges dominates a lot of matchups night in and night out. Additionally, Brandon Miller continues to have a strong initial rookie campaign. However, he’s coming off an 11-point outing against the Warriors. Although he had four steals in that game, he’s due for a bounceback performance tonight in terms of scoring. Finally, Grant Williams is a new piece on the Charlotte Hornets. Coming off the bench, he provides a needed boost for this team. He’s someone to watch for tonight to have a potential break-out night.
Portland Trailblazers (Averages)
Points: 107.9
Points Allowed: 116.9
Field Goal Efficiency: 39.4/89.5 for 44.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.7/33.3 for 35.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 17.5/22.0 for 79.4%
Rebounds: 12.0 Offensive, 29.5 Defensive, 41.4 Combined
Assists: 22.7
Steals: 7.8
Blocks: 4.5
Turnovers: 14.0
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 43.2/87.2 for 49.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 11.5/33.2 for 34.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.9/23.7 for 79.5%
Rebounds Against: 10.9 Offensive, 33.6 Defensive, 44.5 Combined
Meanwhile, Portland does not have a lot going for them. Teams know who to game plan around. The Charlotte Hornets should be able to take away plenty of their options while also finding success offensively. However, a big night is almost due for at least one of the Portland players. Especially as they have lost seven in a row. The bookies believe they end that losing streak tonight.
But in order to pull that off, they’ll need a big night from Deandre Ayton. Especially with as many players out as there are, he’ll not only play big minutes but also need to have a huge performance against the Charlotte Hornets. Additionally, Jerami Grant remains their best player. He can score 40+ on any given night, but even if he does, it may not be enough to get a win. He’s someone you’d like to see on a different roster to have a chance of playing winning basketball.
Game Prediction
This line does not make any sense to me. Not only are the Charlotte Hornets the better side, but they are more in form than the Portland Trailblazers. Regardless of what you think of the names on both rosters, Charlotte is playing better and more together. Conversely, it will take career nights from either Ayton or Grant in order for Portland to win tonight. Therefore, I do not only love picking against the spread here, but I am going with the visitors on the MoneyLine.
Finally, 215 points combined seems too low. While both offenses could easily struggle, this has a silly backdoor written all over it. The Over is the safer play here. Especially if someone does go off, you shouldn’t be surprised to see both teams matching and this game ending in a shootout.
Final Pick
Charlotte Hornets MoneyLine and Over 215
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! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
