The Charlotte Hornets are one of the hottest teams in the NBA, coming into tonight's home game against the Sixers as winners of 19 of their last 24 overall. The Sixers are in familiar territory, in fact they still have a chance to match their own futility record. They need at least one more win to avoid finishing 9-73 (again), but I don't like their chances of avoiding another defeat here in Charlotte. The total for tonight's game appears to be a little inflated, and my money is on the under.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. Previous History - The Hornets have failed to reach the total in four straight home games, while the Sixers have gone under in four straight overall. Philly ranks dead last in the league in scoring, and has scored an average of just 99.4 points during a 10 game losing streak.

2. Hornets Defense - The Hornets boast the NBA's 8th ranked defense, with an opponent's scoring average of just 100.6 points per game. They've won six of their last eight overall, and they've allowed an average of just 98.4 points in those games.

3. X-Factor - The under is 16-7 in Hornets last 23 games playing on two days rest.

Selection: This is a play on the Sixers@Hornets to go UNDER the total (10*)