NBA Underdog of the Day (Don’t Sleep on Surging Hornets to Upset Heat in Miami)

The Charlotte Hornets have won seven of their last 10 games and have been one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference as of late, but they’ll be faced with a tough task on Tuesday night. 

Charlotte will hit the road to take on the Eastern Conference-leading Miami Heat in what could be a preview of a first-round series in the playoffs this year. 

While Miami has won four straight after hitting a bit of a rough patch, I’m not sold that the Heat will take down Charlotte tonight. 

But first, let’s break down the odds for this game via WynnBET: 

Hornets vs. Heat Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

• Hornets: +5.5 (-110)
• Heat: -5.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

• Hornets: +190
• Heat: -230

Total:

• 226.5 (Over -110/Under -110)

Why Hornets Can Upset Heat on Tuesday Night

So why do I think Charlotte is live to upset the Heat on Tuesday? 

Well, first off Miami has a lengthy injury report with P.J. Tucker, Gabe Vincent, Kyle Lowry, Markieff Morris, Caleb Martin and Dewayne Dedmon all listed as questionable. 

There is a chance they all play, but a banged-up Miami team could help a Hornets team that needs every win it can get to avoid the No. 9 or No. 10 seed in the East. 

Right now, the Hornets sit in the No. 9 spot, but with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets both in action, the Hornets can make a move up the standings with a win and a loss by either of those teams. 

Not only that, but Charlotte has been solid on both sides of the ball over its last 10 games, ranking sixth in offensive rating, 21st in defensive rating and 12th in net rating over that stretch. The Hornets are going to give up points cause they play at such a frenetic pace, but the Heat haven’t been great on offense as of late, ranking 18th in the league over their last 10. 

I don’t think this will be an easy victory by any means for Charlotte, but with the team entering this game healthy and a ton to play for, I could see the Hornets giving Miami some trouble on Tuesday night. 

Lean: Hornets Moneyline (+190)

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record in the NBA this season here.

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