The NBA Christmas slate did not disappoint and Monday's slate certainly shows no signs of a holiday hangover. With seven games on the slate, two of our NBA analysts are eyeing the latest game of the night: Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers.
They've got two best bets — one player prop and one first half total bet — for tonight's matchup. Check out their expert picks and predictions for Monday night below.
NBA Odds & Picks
Charlotte Hornets vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Malik Smith: This game has the highest total on the slate, but I'm focused on the first half.
The Blazers have been scorching in the first half in the month of December, averaging 62.8 points this month in the first 24 minutes of action per NBA Advanced Stats. Only the Brooklyn Nets have scored more and their numbers are skewed by the 91 they put up on the Golden State Warriors last Wednesday.
Both teams are bottom five in the NBA in terms of the Defensive Rating — Blazers are 25th and Hornets are 27th. Plus, we have the rest factor. Both teams had the weekend off and the Blazers are 8-3 to the over at home in the first half with two or more days rest.
I like the over here up to up to 121.5.
Joe Dellera: The Hornets take on the Blazers today and one player who should continue to shine is LaMelo Ball.
The Blazers have the 20th ranked Adjusted Defensive Rating and they are 20th in eFG% allowed. They’ve struggled to defend the perimeter and their opponents are shooting 37% from beyond the arc, a bottom 10 mark on the season.
Ball can take advantage of this; his shot profile has changed a bit from last season and he’s looking to take more 3s. This season he’s taking 11.3 per game compared to 7.5 last season. The 3-point shot makes up 56% of his shot profile compared to 43% from a season ago.
His prop line is set at 3.5 3s (+124) and he’s exceeded this 3.5 line in eight straight games and his one miss this season was in his debut following injury. I’ll grab this at plus money and I don’t think the books have totally adjusted for his increased volume.
