Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Prediction

The Oklahoma City Thunder (2-4) will travel to Spectrum Center to challenge the Charlotte Hornets (4-4). The Thunder opened as 1.5-point underdogs. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 226.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 1, 2018.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Odds

Both teams comfortably covered as favorites in their last matchup. The Hornets (3.5-point favorites) defeated the Miami Heat 125-113, while the Thunder (3.5-point favorites) beat the Los Angeles Clippers 128-110. Both games finished over their projected point totals. The Charlotte game went 17 points over the projected point total of 221, while the Oklahoma City game finished 9.5 points over the projected point total of 228.5.

Oklahoma City dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.2 (better than their season average of 12.3) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 22.0 (below their season average of 28.9). For those same stats, Los Angeles recorded marks of 20.5 and 15.8, respectively. The Hornets, meanwhile, made 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.623 (above their season average of 0.523). Tony Parker had a good game for Charlotte, putting up 24 points and 11 assists. Paul George, meanwhile was a key piece for Oklahoma City with 32 points and 12 rebounds.

Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball security could play an integral role in this meeting. Since the 2017-18 season, Charlotte has committed the second-fewest miscues in the league (turnover percentage of 12.1 percent), while the gambling defense of Oklahoma City has forced the most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 15.4 percent). Also, the Thunder have been among the NBA’s elite on the offensive backboards, ranking first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 percent). The Hornets, meanwhile, rank first in defensive rebounding percentage (80.4 percent).

Vegas has been spot on when setting the total of Thunder games, with an even split between overs and unders. Oklahoma City comes into the game with records of 2-4 straight up (SU) and 2-4 against the spread (ATS).

Hornets games have typically gone over the total (62.5 percent). Additionally, Charlotte owns records of 4-4 SU and 6-2 ATS.

This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Thunder won 101-91. Oklahoma City had a much better turnover percentage (7.8 vs. 13.1). Charlotte, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.193 vs. 0.155).

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Charlotte Hornets Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

The Thunder average 30.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 12th in the league. The Hornets rank 19th in three pointers allowed per game (30.3).

Oklahoma City ranks first in steals per game (9.2) while Charlotte ranks 29th (6.8).

The Thunder rank first in points off turnovers per game (19.1) while the Hornets rank 16th (16.4).

Oklahoma City averages 45.2 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the league. Charlotte ranks 20th in rebounds allowed per game (43.9).

Oklahoma City averages 5.0 blocks per game, which ranks 10th in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 19th in blocks allowed per game (5.1).

The Thunder rank fourth in fast break points per game (15.2) while the Hornets rank 27th (9.4).

The Thunder rank 14th in assists allowed per game (23.0) while the Hornets rank 25th (24.6).

Oklahoma City averages 44.0 points in the paint per game, which ranks 17th in the league. Charlotte ranks 18th in points allowed in the paint per game (45.5).

Charlotte ranks first in second chance points allowed per game (10.7) while Oklahoma City ranks 18th (12.8).

Charlotte is 14-3 when they allow less than 100 points, while Oklahoma City is 23-6.

The Thunder are 48-21 when they score more than 100 points, while the Hornets are 39-27.