Hornets vs. Mavericks Prediction and Odds: Charlotte's a Live Underdog on Monday
By Reed Wallach
The Dallas Mavericks are home to play the Charlotte Hornets on Monday night, but will be without star guard Luka Doncic as he battles a lingering ankle injury.
Mavs coach Jason Kidd says Luka Dončić has been formally ruled out of both ends of Dallas’ back-to-back tonight in Oklahoma City and Monday against Charlotte due to a “flare up” of the ankle injury and adds that his availability for Wednesday’s home date with the Lakers is TBD. https://t.co/63a6mAekl7
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) December 12, 2021
The Mavs beat the Thunder on Sunday night, but go into this one on short rest and face a Hornets team close to full strength with Terry Rozier set to return from Health and Safety Protocols. LaMelo Ball remains out, among other rotation players, but the Hornets will be the more complete roster with a rest advantage.
Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook and find the best bet for Monday's matchup.
Hornets vs. Mavericks Odds, Spread and Total
Spread:
- Hornets: +2.5 (-110)
- Mavericks: -2.5 (-110)
Moneyline:
- Hornets: +115
- Mavericks: -135
Total: 216.5 (-110)
Find out why Hornets vs. Mavs is one of the BetSided "Best Bets" of the night on a new "Bet & Breakfast" podcast!
Hornets vs. Mavericks Prediction and Pick
This matchup sets up well for the Hornets, who will have the far better offensive approach against the short handed Mavericks.
The team will still not have Ball to run the O, but are second in offensive rating this season. I trust James Borrego can make it work against a middling defense in Dallas. Factor in that they will be facing a team that is without their do-it-all playmaker in Doncic, this feels like a slam spot for the Hornets at + money.
Doncic is leading the NBA in usage rating this season at 36%. Without him on the floor the Mavericks are going to sputter on offense and lean far too much on the likes of Jalen Brunson and Kristaps Porzingis. Not to mention, the Mavs played last night and now must keep up with a high octane offense that is getting a key cog back.
I like Charlotte to win this one outright.
PICK: Hornets +115