Charlotte’s win total is its highest since the team relocated back to North Carolina in 2004 and the club clinched just its third playoff berth in the same span. The Hornets have bigger things in mind, like a top-four seed in the East and homecourt advantage in the first-round, and maybe even their first playoff win since moving back from the Big Easy.
You can bet on NBA odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
LOOK AHEAD
Since Feb. 1, the hornets have been the best team in the Eastern Conference at 22-8, good for third in the NBA – and I think you might know who is No. 1 and No. 2. This strong stretch coincides with coach Steve Clifford pushing the team to ramp up its defensive intensity. As a result, Charlotte is fourth in the NVBA in defensive rating and opponent field goal percentage over the last two-plus months. The Hornets have gone from ninth in the conference to 1.5 games out of the third seed in that time.
The Hornets boast a winning record against the East’s playoff teams in that span, as well. Wins over Cleveland and Miami were big, but a grind-it-out 91-88 win over the Spurs might be more indicative of what they can do on the big stage. The Hornets don’t mind playing ugly games because they have the ability to play the most effective style to beat an opponent. Add in Charlotte’s zest for defense, the ability to shoot threes, and Kemba Walker, a go-to scorer in the clutch, and the Hornets are a formidable opponent.
INJURIES
Charlotte forward Nicolas Batum missed a pair of games with a strained left knee and the club is hopeful he can return to the lineup by Sunday. Rookie Frank Kaminsky started in his place. Guard Jeremy Lin is battling right elbow bursitis, but hasn’t missed any time.
John Wall had played in every Wizards game this season until Wednesday, when he was sidelined with what the team described as a sore right knee. Wall leads the team in scoring and ranks third in the NBA with 10.2 assists per game. He is day-to-day.
KEY MATCHUP
Kemba Walker has been a centerpiece for the Hornets since his rookie year. He’s been their go-to guy ever since their days as the Charlotte Bobcats. Walker’s efforts and positive attitude are finally starting to pay off as the Hornets have already clinched a playoff spot and are looking to secure homecourt advantage for the first round. Walker broke out of a mini slump on Wednesday, pouring in a game-high 34 points to help the Hornets end a two-game slide. He drained 11 of 18 shots, including a Curry-like 7 of 10 from three-point range for his 13th game with 30 or more points this season, the third most of any player in the Eastern Conference. Walker scored 11 points on 1 of 8 three-point shooting in a loss at Toronto the night before, so the explosion against the Knicks was a welcome sight.
ANALYSIS AND ODDS PREDICTION
While the Wizards are still mathematically alive for a postseason berth, the reality is they are done. A year after advancing to the second round of the playoffs, Washington couldn’t get anything going this NBA season, despite the efforts of superstar guard John Wall. Now, Wall could be out with a knee injury further hurting the team’s chances of even reaching .500, let alone make the playoffs. And the Hornets are no fluke with a 22-8 record since Feb. 1 and some impressive wins. Get Batum back in the lineup and they could overtake Atlanta and Miami for the Southeast title and the top-four seed that comes with it. And that’s something to play for.
NBA Odds: Charlotte 107, Washington 100
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook! The Charlotte Hornets and Washington Wizards will square off Sunday, April 10, 2016, at 12 p.m. ET at the Verizon Center. You can watch the game live on NBA TV.
