Hornets vs Thunder Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Tuesday, March 28th

Check out our free Hornets vs Thunder pick and preview for this NBA game in Oklahoma City. See who we like to win and cover the spread in this NBA matchup.

Hornets vs Thunder NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Charlotte Hornets at Oklahoma City Thunder
Where: Oklahoma City at Paycom Center
Date: Tuesday, March 28th
Betting Odds OKC -9, CHA +313 | OKC -416 O/U OFF

So far, the Hornets have put together an overall record of 25-51, while going 33-38-5 vs the spread. Against the Thunder, the Hornets are looking to add to their current 2 game winning streak. Team has an average scoring margin of 7.0 in these matchups.

Charlotte is going for yet another win, as they previously defeated the Mavericks. With the 110-104 victory, they also covered the spread as 12 point underdogs. In the game, Charlotte was able to hold on to their first half lead, as they led the Mavericks by 7 going into the second half. Leading the team in scoring was Gordon Hayward, as he contributed 22 points while hitting 57.1% of his shots.

So far, the Thunder have put together an overall record of 37-38, while going 44-30-1 vs the spread. Looking back on Thunder’ previous 3 games, they have a record of 1-2 while averaging 111 points per game. Over this stretch, their ATS mark is 0-3.

Oklahoma City is going for another win in today’s game, as they previously took down the Trail Blazers. Going into the game, they were 10 point favorites against the spread. Their 118-112 victory was not enough to cover. Oklahoma City went on to win the game, as they led by 6 heading into halftime. Leading the team in scoring was Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as he contributed 31 points while hitting 52.9% of his shots.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

In the most recent matchup between the two teams, the Hornets picked up the 121-113 win over the Thunder. The Hornets point margin of victory was enough to cover the spread as 2.5 point favorite. This has been the only matchup between the two teams this season. In last year’s head-to-head meetings, the Hornets averaged 127.5 points per game vs Oklahoma City, which was an increase over their season-long average. While the Hornets saw a boost in scoring, the Thunder averaged 107.0 points per contest in head-to-head meeting vs Charlotte. This figure was similar to season-long average. Across the previous 5 meetings between the teams, the Hornets have an average scoring margin of +12 points per game, leading to an ATS mark of 4-1. A combined average of 226 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

Through 76 games, Charlotte is averaging 111.1 points per game (27th). When looking at the Hornets pace of play, they tend to play an up-tempo style of basketball. So far, the team is in the upper half of the NBA in possessions per game, averaging 101.1. Although the team is playing at an up-tempo speed, they would benefit from scoring with more efficiency, as they are just 29th in the league in overall field goal percentage, at 51.3%.

Currently, the Hornets defense is ranked 25th in points allowed. So far, opposing teams are averaging 114.89 points per game vs the unit.

P.J. Washington is expected to play a key role in Charlotte’s scoring efforts against the Oklahoma City today, as Terry Rozier is unavailable. Rozier is the team’s leading scorer this season with 21.1 points per game. Washington is 2nd in scoring for the team with 15.4 points per game, which ranks him 90.0th in the NBA. In his 71 games, he has hit 43.8% of his field goal attempts and is grabbing 4.9 rebounds per game.

Through 75 games, Oklahoma City is the 5th best scoring team at 117.4 points per game. In terms of pace, the Thunder are on the top units in the NBA, averaging 101.4 possessions per game. Thus far, the team’s faced paced style of play has helped their overall numbers, as they are currently the 5th team in made field goals per contest.

Against the Hornets, the Thunder will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 15th in points allowed.

One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, as he is currently questionable on the injury report. If he is able to play, the team will have it’s 1-2 punch availble as Gilgeous-Alexander leads the team in scoring at 31.3 points per game while Giddey is 2nd at 16.3. For the season, Gilgeous-Alexander is 9th in the NBA in usage rate and 7th in player efficiency. Behind him, Giddey has taken 15.6% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 48.6%.