The Charlotte Hornets (14-39) travel to face off against the Denver Nuggets (36-19) on Thursday, February 20th. This game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver and televised on ALT. Both team’s come into this one having won their previous games. Tip-off is set for 9:00 ET.

Hornets vs Nuggets

The Hornets Are Coming Off A Win

Charlotte improved to 14-39 on the season with a 100-97 win over the Lakers on Wednesday. The Hornets, who were +13 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The game’s total of 197 points fell well short of the 230.5 O/U line.

After falling behind early due to a 12-0 Lakers run, Charlotte rallied in the 3rd quarter, outscoring L.A. 32-18. They held a 69-66 lead going into the 4th and managed to hold on, despite both teams scoring 31 points in the final quarter.

The Nuggets Are Coming Off A Win

The Nuggets improved to 36-19 on the season with a 132-121 win over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Playing at home, Denver entered the game as 9-point favorites and covered the spread. The total points of 253.5 exceeded the O/U line of 231.5 by 21.5 points.

Denver took control early, leading 40-27 after the 1st quarter and 75-56 at halftime. They extended their lead to 107-91 going into the 4th quarter, allowing them to withstand a late push from Portland, who outscored them 30-25 in the final period.

Hornets Offense Breakdown

In their win over the Lakers, the Hornets managed just 36.3% shooting from the field, but connected on 18 threes at a 34% clip. Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball each hit 5 threes, with Bridges leading the team with 29 points and Ball adding 27.

Bridges scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter, while Ball put up 12 in the 4th. Nick Smith also contributed 6 points in the final period, finishing with 12 points and 4 made threes.

Nuggets Offense Breakdown

Jamal Murray’s 55-point explosion, including 7 threes at 46.7%, led the Nuggets to a 132-point performance against the Trail Blazers. Denver hit 15 threes, shooting 39.5% from deep and 51% overall from the field.

Nikola Jokić added a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Christian Braun contributed 21 points and 10 boards. Murray scored 14 or more points in each of the first three quarters.

Hornets Team Defense

Defensively, the Hornets were strong in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing just 20 and 18 points, respectively, to help secure a 100-97 win over the Lakers. Charlotte held Los Angeles to 41% shooting from the field.

The Hornets limited the Lakers to 29% from beyond the arc, with Los Angeles making 15 threes. Charlotte also sent the Lakers to the free-throw line 12 times, where they made 8. The Hornets finished with 12 steals and 4 blocks.

Nuggets Team Defense

The Hornets’ defense held the Lakers to 97 points on Wednesday, allowing just 28 points in the 1st quarter and tightening up in the 2nd and 3rd, giving up only 20 and 18 points, respectively. Despite a 31-point 4th quarter from the Lakers, the Hornets’ defensive effort was enough to secure the win.

Charlotte limited Los Angeles to 41% shooting from the field, including 29% from three-point range, where the Lakers made 15 threes. The Hornets also sent the Lakers to the free-throw line 12 times, where they converted 8 attempts. Defensively, the Hornets recorded 12 steals and 4 blocks.

Hornets vs Nuggets Trends

• Although Charlotte has a straight up record of 1-4 in their last five road games, they have not held up as well vs the spread going 2-2-1. The team averaged 99 points per game in these games.
• Across the Nuggets last five home games, the team averaged 119 points per game while allowing 118. Their record vs the spread in these contests was 1-4, while going 3-2 straight-up.
• Going back to their last ten games as the underdog, the Hornets have a straight up record of 3-7. But, their mark vs the spread was just 7-2-1.
• The Nuggets have played well in their last five games as the betting favorite, going 5-0 straight up and 5-0 against the spread.

Hornets vs Nuggets Prediction

For today’s matchup we are recommending to take the Nuggets to secure the win, with an expected final score of 125-106. When it comes to the spread, we believe they’ll cover at -16.

As for the over/under, the the line is currently at 228, and our model projects the Hornets and Nuggets to reach a combined total of 231 points. Our bet is on taking the over.

All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!

* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.