NBA Picks, Odds, Best Bets Tuesday

After losing back-to-back road games against the rival Knicks, the Brooklyn Nets will look forward to returning to the Barclays Center to host the Hornets.

Tuesday’s matchup gives the Nets an excellent opportunity to get back in the win column against a Charlotte team that should have its share of struggles this season.

While both teams are probably in a race to the bottom, someone has to win the game, and my model suggests the Nets have the 2.5-point advantage as home favorites.

Hornets vs. Net odds

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Hornets	+2.5 (-105)	+126	Over 221.5 (-105)
Nets	-2.5 (-115)	-150	Under 221.5 (-115)

Hornet’s analysis

The Hornets have not proven to be a very efficient team, ranking 29th in field-goal percentage (42.9%).

Even when they get shots within five feet of the basket, they shoot just 58% – the fourth-worst mark in the league.

The data suggests they should be more successful in this category because they certainly get enough opportunities on the rim, ranking seventh in drives at 51.2 per. game.

One problem for the Hornets is that they often play with a smaller lineup that is getting outmuscled inside the paint, ranking 27th in scoring at 41.8 points per game. match.

We’re also seeing their frontcourt players pushed further away from the edge, where they’ve also had less success.

Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller shoot around 30% from beyond the arc, yet attempt around 15 3-pointers per game. match.

But that’s who the Hornets are because they simply lack the physicality to score inside the paint.

Therefore, unless they shoot lights out from the perimeter, it is difficult for them to come out on top in these games.

Net analysis

Like Charlotte, the Nets also do a tremendous job of getting to the rim, ranking sixth with 53.1 drives per game.

But their roster is better suited to scoring inside the paint, as they are also capable of fouling and going to the free throw line.

The Nets are averaging 22.2 free throw attempts compared to Charlotte, who is last at 18.1. Brooklyn is also shooting 80.7% from the charity stripe – the seventh best mark in the league.

One thing about the Nets is that they repeatedly get into good scoring positions on the floor. They mainly play with two point guards on the court, with Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder averaging 13 assists per game. match.

As a result, the Nets’ offense is much more fluid and looks more promising in their half court set.

Simmons and Schoder are also surrounded by good shooters capable of knocking down open perimeter shots.

The Nets are a top-10 team in 3-point percentage (37.3%) and field goals (15.3), making them the more likely of the two teams to have better success offensively.

Hornets vs. Nets pick

If you look at the teams ranked at the top of the league in offensive efficiency, the Nets are the only ones in the top 10 with a record below .500.

While they have struggled defensively, they match up well against Charlotte because they have the size to push the Hornets further away from the rim.

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And if the Hornets settle for hoisting 3-pointers, the Nets rank seventh in opponent 3-point field goals (12.4) and fourth in opponent 3-point attempts (35).

Look for the Nets to ride their perimeter defense to a win over the Hornets.

My model makes Brooklyn closer to a 4.5 point favorite, giving me enough of an advantage to put the 2.5 points on BetMGM.

Pick: Nets -2.5 (-115, BetMGM)

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Why Trust New York Post Bets

Michael Arinze handicaps most major sports for the New York Post. He has cashed in two 15-game teasers in his betting career as well as a 12-game parlay that included eight Little League World Series games. Recently, he precisely selected finalists for the European Championship in 2024 and the Copa America.