The Charlotte Hornets (19-20), 6.5-point underdogs, will travel to the Staples Center to go head-to-head against the Los Angeles Clippers (23-16). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 230 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 8, 2019.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last contest. The Clippers (7-point favorites) defeated the Orlando Magic 106-96, while the Hornets (1.5-point underdog) beat the Phoenix Suns 119-113. The Los Angeles game went 18 points under the projected point total of 220, while the Charlotte game went 6.5 points over the projected point total of 225.5.
Charlotte played a nearly flawless game. They had a superb offensive rebounding percentage of 29.8 (above their season average of 21.4) and a free throw rate of 0.264 (above their season average of 0.203). Phoenix was 8.6 and 0.205, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Los Angeles’ 6.4 turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Orlando, who had a mark of 10.5. The Clippers’ mark was better than their season average of 12.5. Los Angeles’ Tobias Harris played well, putting up 28 points and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Kemba Walker played a key role for Charlotte with 29 points and seven rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the most recent contest, the Clippers won 106-98. Los Angeles was successful at getting and making free throws. The Clippers made 24 of their 27 free throws (88.9 percent), while the Hornets were 15-19 (78.9 percent). This will be the first game of the year between these two teams.
Vegas has a tendency to place the total low when the Hornets are playing, as 22 of their 39 games have gone over the O/U total. Charlotte heads into the game with records of 19-20 straight up (SU) and 20-19 against the spread (ATS).
Games including the Clippers also have a tendency to finish over the total (59.0 percent). Additionally, Los Angeles is 23-16 SU and 23-16 ATS.
Lou Williams has taken his game to another level recently for Los Angeles, averaging 24 points,4.6 assists over the last five games.
The high-powered offense of Los Angeles (seventh in the NBA with an offensive efficiency of 110.8) will clash against the mid-tier defense of Charlotte (20th in the league with a defensive efficiency of 108.6). The Clippers figure to have the edge on that end of the court. Moreover, the Hornets rank first in turnover percentage (11.8 percent), while the Clippers rank 30th in opponents’ turnover percentage (11.7 percent).
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Hornets rank 17th in blocks per game (5.0) while the Clippers rank 27th in blocks allowed per game (6.1).
- Los Angeles ranks fifth in three pointers allowed per game (28.7) while Charlotte ranks 28th (34.1).
- The Clippers rank 15th in assists allowed per game (24.1) while the Hornets rank 28th (25.7).
- Charlotte ranks 15th in fast break points allowed per game (13.6) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (15.8).
- Charlotte averages 49.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 25th in points allowed in the paint per game (51.5).
- The Hornets rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.2) while the Clippers rank 23rd (17.8).
- The Hornets rank 19th in steals per game (7.4) while the Clippers rank last (6.3).
- Charlotte ranks 19th in second chance points per game (12.8) while Los Angeles ranks 28th in second chance points allowed per game (14.7).
- Los Angeles averages 45.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 12th in the league. Charlotte ranks 25th in rebounds allowed per game (46.4).
- Charlotte is 6-0 when they allow under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 4-1.
- In games where they score above 100 points, the Clippers are 23-11 and the Hornets are 18-18.
- Los Angeles is 12-7 ATS at home, while Charlotte is 8-9 ATS on the road.
- Of the Hornets’ 17 road games, they have 11 overs and 6 unders.
- The Clippers have 12 overs, 6 unders and 1 push in 19 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- The Clippers are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Hornets are 2-3.
- In their last five games, Los Angeles has 4 unders and 1 over, while Charlotte has 4 overs and 1 under.
- During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 113.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 111.0 points per game (3.3 below their season average).
- The Hornets have been outscored by an average of 4.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Charlotte has defeated opponents by an average of 1.3 points.