Hornets vs Wizards Pick, Preview & Betting Odds For Wednesday, February 8th

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

Hornets vs Wizards NBA Pick & Preview

Sport: NBA
Teams: Charlotte Hornets at Washington Wizards
Where: Washington at Capital One Arena
Date: Wednesday, February 8th
Betting Odds WAS -4.5, CHA +151 | WAS -187 O/U OFF

The Hornets come into today’s matchup with an overall record of 15-40. So far, the team has gone 22-29-4 against the spread. Over the Hornets current 4 game losing streak, they have an average scoring differential of -9.25 points per game.

The Hornets are coming off a disappointing 119-113 loss to the Magic. Going into the game, they were favored to win by 2 points. Charlotte was not able to turn things around in the 2nd half, as they trailed the Magic by 6 going into halftime. In the loss, LaMelo Ball led the team in scoring with 33 points on a field goal percentage of 54.2%.

So far, the Wizards have put together an overall record of 24-29, while going 24-28-1 vs the spread. Washington will take the court having lost 3 straight games. On average, they have lost these games by -11.0 points per game.

Washington is trying to bounce back from a 114-91 loss to the Cavaliers. Going into this game, the team was 3 point underdogs on the spread, giving them an ATS loss. Washington struggled throughout the game, as they were not able to chip home at a 20 point halftime deficit. In the loss, Kristaps Porzingis led the team in scoring with 18 points on a field goal percentage of 53.8%.

Head To Head Recap & Stats

I Similar to their season-long average, the Hornets averaged 112.75 points per game vs the Wizards. Just like the Hornets, the Wizards maintained their usual level of scoring in head-to-head matchups, averaging 105.5 points per game vs Charlotte. Through the last 5 matchups between the teams, Charlotte has an ATS mark of 3-2. But, looking at the scoring margin in these games, an average of just 0 points per game separates the teams. Charlotte and Washington averaged a combined 224 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Odds & Free Betting Analysis For This NBA Game

The Hornets come into today’s game as the 25th ranked scoring offense at 112.0 points per game. So far, Charlotte is averaging 101.5 possessions per game, making them one of the more up-tempo teams in the league. 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 51.0%.

Defensively, Charlotte has had its problems giving up an average of 114.89 points per game (25th).

Point-Guard Terry Rozier currently leads the Hornets at 21.8 points per game. For the season, he is 52nd in the NBA in usage rate and has taken 21.0% of the team’s field goal attempts. In addition to his scoring, Rozier is averaging 4.4 boards and 4.9 assists per contest. In today’s game, he is facing off against the NBA’s 13th ranked defense at defending point-guards. P.J. Washington enters the game sitting second on the team in scoring. Through 54 games, he is averaging 14.7 and is 266th in the league in player efficiency rating.

This season, the Washington offense has had their problems scoring the ball as they are a below average unit at 112.8 points per game. When looking at the team’s pace of play, the Wizards are currently below the league average in possessions per game, averaging just 98.8 per contest. Although the team tends to play at a more deliberate pace, they are currently one of the more efficient shooting teams, connecting on field goal attempts at a rate of 47.9%.

Against the Hornets, the Wizards will need a stronger defensive effort as they are ranked just 16th in points allowed.

One situation to keep an eye on leading up the game is the availability of Kyle Kuzma, 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 Kuzma leads the team in scoring at 21.3 points per game while Porzingis is 2nd at 22.4. For the season, Kuzma is 42nd in the NBA in usage rate and 152nd in player efficiency. Behind him, Porzingis has taken 17.7% of the team’s field goal attempts, connecting at a rate of 47.6%.