Hornets Competitive in Narrow Home Loss

The Charlotte Hornets are concluding an eight-game homestand in this one. Charlotte has been involved in many narrow games recently but has lost four of their last five games. The squad recently ended a four-game slide with a convincing 124-115 home win against the Magic on Friday. Next, they were marked eight-point dogs in a 121-118 home loss against Oklahoma City on Sunday. The Hornets have covered the spread in four of their last five bouts.

Miles Bridges has been productive recently, sinking at least 22 points in four of his last five games. The 26-year-old forward has been relied upon heavily due to all the injuries. He posted 23 points in the win on Friday and is sporting an average of 21.3 PPG. Brandon Miller has been a bright spot. The rookie forward has collected at least 19 points in four of his last five bouts. Miller has increased his season average to 17.2 PPG. He scored just seven points in his lone game against the Mavericks. Vasilije Micic has shot below 40% in four of his previous five clashes. The 30-year-old guard scored 17 points on Sunday and has produced an average of 11.8 PPG.

The Hornets stand at 1-4 in their last five home bouts, covering the spread four times in that span. This includes a 118-104 loss to the Celtics last week. Charlotte is scoring an average of 106.5 points on the year, marking them 29th. They have allowed at least 115 points in four of their last five clashes and are conceding an average of 116.6 points, placing them 21st.

Mavs Stay Hot in Win vs. Rockets

The Dallas Mavericks are in great shape atop the division They currently stand in first place, two games ahead of the Pelicans. Dallas has been one of the best teams in the NBA this past month. They have won nine of their last ten clashes. The only loss in that span was against the Warriors. The Mavericks issued a home win in the rematch against the Warriors on Friday and were nine-point favorites in a 147-136 overtime home win against the Rockets on Sunday. The Mavericks have covered the spread in four of their last five games.

Luka Doncic did not play on Friday due to a minor knee injury and was able to play on Sunday. The 25-year-old point guard is having yet another incredible season, delivering an average of 33.9 PPG on 48.8% shooting. He scored 23 points in his lone game against the Hornets this season. Kyrie Irving continues to shine, netting at least 24 points in five straight games. The 32-year-old point guard scored 48 points on Friday and is averaging 25.8 PPG on the year. Tim Hardaway Jr. has scored 10 or fewer points in four of his last five bouts. The veteran forward has issued an average of 14.8 PPG on a 40% mark from the field.

The Mavericks are 4-1 in their last five road bouts, covering in all but one game in that span, in the loss against Golden State last week. Dallas is averaging 118.6 points on the season, ranking them sixth. The defense has been outstanding, conceding 107 or fewer points in four of their last five games. They are keeping opponents to 116 points, placing them 20th.