The Cleveland Cavaliers will host the New Orleans Hornets tonight at the Quicken Loans Arena in what could be a potential NBA Finals preview. The game is set to get under way at 8:00pm ET in front of a raucous Cleveland crowd. NBA picks at Sportsbook.com are currently showing the Hornets as a +4 against the spread road underdog.
Cleveland garnered their seventh loss of the season last night in Chicago as the Bulls ran away in overtime to win 102-93. The game concluded a two game road stand for the Cavs (11-7 away record), but they only get a brief home respite as they play their next four out West after this evening's battle with the Hornets.
The Cavaliers are an Eastern Conference leading 30-7 and they have an eight game lead over the Pistons in the Central division. They are undefeated at home this year, 19-0, where they average 105 points per game on a ridiculous 49.5 percent shooting from the field (second best in the league). Cleveland, however, is more about shutting teams down than lighting up the scoreboard. Lebron and company hold teams to a meager 89.3 points per game on 42 percent field goal shooting, both league bests.
New Orleans enters tonight's game fresh off a Wednesday night 104-97 victory over the Mavericks in Dallas. The win moved their record to 23-12, and they now trail the Spurs by just a game in the Southwest division. Their meeting with the Cavaliers this evening is the second game in a critical three game road stand, which concludes tomorrow night in Detroit.
The Hornets are 11-7 away from home this season and just 6-5 versus Eastern Conference opposition. However, they have won seven of their last 10 games and their tenacious defense (92.6 points per game allowed) should help them keep pace with the illustrious Cavaliers. New Orleans will also need point guard Chris Paul (a league leading 11.2 assist per game) to be the epitome of effciency to overcome Cleveland. The Hornets do not generate many second chance opportunities for themselves on the road as they average a league worst 36.8 rebounds per game in opposing arenas.
NBA Picks Betting Trend: Cleveland is 10-0 straight up in their last 10 games as a home favorite.
Sportsbook.com's New Orleans Hornets vs Cleveland Cavaliers NBA Picks:
Hornets +4 (-110), Over 185.5 (-110), +160 (Money line)
Cavaliers -4 (-110), Under 185.5 (-110), -180 (Money line)
