PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's 10-Dime Wednesday Wipeout
(NBA) Portland vs. Charlotte,
Point Spread: 6.00 | -110.00 Charlotte (Home)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: 6.00 | -110.00 Charlotte (Home)
Result: Loss
Portland is hot. Charlotte is not. But circumstances make this a good spot for the Hornets.
The Trail Blazers are playing their third road game in four days. They just played two weak foes - Boston and Philadelphia - and are leaving after this game to return to the West Coast where they have a much bigger game on deck hosting Memphis on Friday. So this is a flat spot for them.
The Hornets are 4-11 on the season. However, five of those 11 defeats were decided on the final possession. They nearly beat Portland on the road on Nov. 11 losing by two points after leading by 23.
The Hornets usually are at their best in a 'dog role covering six of the past nine times during the regular season when taking more than four points. They have a strong inside presence with Al Jefferson, who is starting to get some help with Cody Zeller's improved play, and backcourt scoring with Kemba Walker. Lance Stephenson makes Charlotte a better team, too, although he hasn't played up to expectations yet.
The Trail Blazers entered their current trip giving up 15 points more on the road than at home. Their first two games were against very bad teams. So this comes down to Portland being a little overrated and Charlotte not as bad as its record. Factor in the situational elements and the Hornets are a very live 'dog.
The Trail Blazers are playing their third road game in four days. They just played two weak foes - Boston and Philadelphia - and are leaving after this game to return to the West Coast where they have a much bigger game on deck hosting Memphis on Friday. So this is a flat spot for them.
The Hornets are 4-11 on the season. However, five of those 11 defeats were decided on the final possession. They nearly beat Portland on the road on Nov. 11 losing by two points after leading by 23.
The Hornets usually are at their best in a 'dog role covering six of the past nine times during the regular season when taking more than four points. They have a strong inside presence with Al Jefferson, who is starting to get some help with Cody Zeller's improved play, and backcourt scoring with Kemba Walker. Lance Stephenson makes Charlotte a better team, too, although he hasn't played up to expectations yet.
The Trail Blazers entered their current trip giving up 15 points more on the road than at home. Their first two games were against very bad teams. So this comes down to Portland being a little overrated and Charlotte not as bad as its record. Factor in the situational elements and the Hornets are a very live 'dog.