Wizards vs. Hornets Prediction and Odds (Motivational Discrepancy Gives Over Value)
By Joe Summers
The final game of the NBA season has arrived as the 35-46 Washington Wizards take on the 42-39 Charlotte Hornets.
Charlotte will be in the Play-In Tournament and is currently the 10th seed in the Eastern Conference, but they've got ample opportunity to earn a better seed with a win and some luck.
Washington, on the other hand, is playing purely for draft pick position. There is no reason whatsoever for the Wizards to win or even try, so we've got an interesting matchup of two teams with completely different motivations.
Can the Hornets cover a massive spread or will Washington keep it close in their last game of the year?
Let's check out the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook to find some value in this Wizards vs Hornets finale:
Wizards vs Hornets Odds, Spread and Total
Spread
- Wizards +13 (-108)
- Hornets -13 (-108)
Moneyline:
- Wizards +700
- Hornets -1100
Total:
- 233.0 (Over -108/Under -108)
Wizards vs Hornets Prediction and Pick
These kinds of games are always difficult to pick. Sure, one team has motivation and one does not, but that's reflected in the hefty spread. But the Wizards have been out of the playoffs for a while and still cover every now and again, so does the motivation angle really matter?
I think it's going to allow the Hornets to control the pace and dictate the tone. That means their elite offense and poor defense will get a chance to shine.
Over their last 15 games, Charlotte ranks 2nd in the league in offensive rating but 25th in defensive. The over is 4-1 in their last five games and 5-2 in Washington's last seven, as their defense has faltered after being fully eliminated from postseason contention.
We should see lackadaisical effort on the defensive end that leads to open shots and easy baskets in transition. Give me the over to improve to 5-1 in the Hornet's last six.
Pick: Over 233 (-108)
Follow all of Joe Summers' betting picks here.