The Hornets are going to get absolutely no respect here, and quite frankly, why should they? Charlotte has lost five consecutive games and failed to cover the number in every single one, capped off by an embarrassing 10-point defeat at Brooklyn. Now they're facing Boston, a 6-2 outfit with pedigree that looks every bit as formidable as its reputation suggests. Who wants to back Charlotte in this spot? That's where we move in.
The Celtics are the obvious selection, even if they are 1-4 ATS in their last five outings respectively. The difference is that the C's are winning basketball games, playing with confidence and facing an opponent that seemingly cannot get out of its own way. Everything about this matchup screams Boston and that's exactly the sort of situation where I'm interested in taking the other side because I know Charlotte is taking back an enhanced price in the Queen City here. Charlotte's five-game losing streak and inability to cover have undoubtedly damaged its appeal, while Boston's reputation only makes the favorite more attractive in what looks like a get right spot in terms of profitability and a contest where the Celtics to borrow a baseball term, can mash. The convergence of these variables is how you end up paying a premium for the team everybody wants to back. That's why you take the Hornets here. This is buying low at its finest.
Celtics vs Hornets prediction: Charlotte Hornets +8.5 (-102) available at time of writing. Playable to +8.
