Charlotte Hornets Outlook
The Hornets will be looking for a win after going 4-4 in their last eight games. Currently, the Hornets are averaging 111.6 points per game on 46% shooting while allowing 112 points per game. Leading Charlotte is Terry Rozier, who is putting up an average of 20.5 points per game and 3.4 assists. Following Rozier is Gordon Hayward, who is averaging 19.8 points per game and 5.7 rebounds.
Offensively, the Hornets are shooting 38% from three-point territory while only allowing 36% shooting from the three against themselves. The Hornets have struggled since losing LaMelo Ball to a broken wrist and have had to adjust to losing the young point guard without much practice in between. The loss of Ball has reduced the dynamic offense that we’ve seen from the Hornets, so for the Hornets to pick up steam, they will have to continue to evolve their defensive game.
Washington Wizards Outlook
After a slow start to the season, the Wizards have come alive recently, getting a much-needed win against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Going into the matchup with the Hornets, the Wizards are looking for the win after dropping 10 of their last 14 games.
As a team, the Wizards are averaging 114 points per game on 46% shooting while allowing 119 points on 47% shooting. Leading the Wizards is Bradley Beal, who has outperformed expectations for the Wizards all season. Currently, Beal is averaging 31.5 points per game with five rebounds. Following Beal is Russel Westbrook, who is setting franchise records for the Wizards. Westbrook set the franchise record Monday night for triple-doubles against the Pacers, his 16th of the season. Westbrook finished Monday night with 35 points, 14 rebounds, and 21 assists.
Defensively, the Wizards have struggled throughout the season, currently allowing 38% shooting from beyond the arc.
Trends to Consider
The Hornets are 6-4 ATS in their last ten games overall, and the Wizards are 5-5 ATS in their last ten games. In their last 10 meetings in Washington, the Hornets are 2-8 ATS.
While the Hornets have the rest advantage in Monday nights game, with the Wizards playing back-to-back, Charlotte is not looking as put together with the loss of star LaMelo Ball. Since losing Ball, we’ve seen the Hornets begin to struggle with keeping up their offense. The Wizards, on the other hand, have come into great form recently. Westbrook played his best game of his season Monday night against the Pacers, which could be just what the Wizards needed in terms of momentum. The Wizards have come out on top in eight of their last nine against the Hornets. While the game is a relative toss-up, with a better rested but struggling Hornets facing a Wizards team that has really come into focus since the All-star break but still struggles defensively, the Wizards are looking to be the better team for Monday night, and we expect them to pick up two much needed back-to-back wins.
Pick: Wizards +1.5, OVER 228.5
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