The New Orleans Hornets, the NBA's only unbeaten team, will put their 8-0 record on the line as they travel to Dallas to play the 6-2 Mavericks tonight (8:30 pm ET) at American Airlines Center. Dallas meanwhile, has won three straight and five of their last six games. The Hornets should take encouragement that Dallas' two losses both came at home.
Sportsbook.com and most other online betting sites currently list the Mavs as 4-chalk home favorites for this game with a 188 total.
The Mavericks have covered the betting spread in four of eight games with three losses and a push. The UNDER has been a reliable bet on the total in six of the Mavericks eight games. In contrast, the Hornets, not only are 8-0 SU, but are also 8-0 ATS with the UNDER cashing on the total six of eight times.
Early betting trends show the public's wagering the point-spread by 91 percent while 57 percent of bettors think Dallas wins SU and placing moneyline bets. The OVER is getting 77 percent of early action on the 188 total.
The Mavericks, sitting two games behind the Hornets in the NBA's Southwest Division, have an opportunity to draw even if they can pull off back to back wins over New Orleans. The Hornets and Mavericks will play the second game of a home and home series on Wednesday (Nov. 17).
A key to tonight's game could come down to the backcourt battle between the Mav's Jason Kidd and young New Orleans phenom Chris Paul. The Hornets All-Star guard is the unquestioned leader and floor general. Kidd enters the game after surpassing the 11,000 assists mark in the Mavericks 99-90 win over Philadelphia Friday night.
NBA Picks: I look for the Mavericks to hand the Hornets their first setback of the season by winning SU. I will even buck the public stance and pick the Mavs to cover the -4 chalk.
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