*10* play on Portland Trailblazers.

The Charlotte Hornets looked like they had turned a corner after a poor start to the year as they entered Wednesday's meeting with the Jazz at Utah riding a three-game winning streak. They left that game a 102-73 loser though, and odds are they'll lose big at Portland Friday night as well.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Injuries - Nicolas Batum returned to the starting lineup for the first time since mid-November Wednesday. The Hornets have new injury woes now though as Jeremy Lin sprained his ankle in the third quarter and didn't return while both Jeremy Lamb and Cody Zeller sat out the whole game.

2. Home Cookin' - The Trail Blazers have covered the spread in four of their last five at Moda Center and they're 6-1 ATS in the last seven when the Hornets are the visiting team.

3. X-Factor - C.J. McCollum is averaging 24.8 points in his past four games.

Selection: This is a play on the Portland Trail Blazers (10*)