The Charlotte Hornets and Brooklyn Nets are on the floor at the Barclays Center on Sunday evening. This is a big game for Nets fans, as it’s the first time they’ll have the chance to see Kyrie Irving.
Irving will finally make his long-awaited debut at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn for the first time. As a result of Covid-19 rules relaxed in New York, Irving is available to play tonight against the Hornets.
Wrapping up the back-to-back in Brooklyn pic.twitter.com/Bu91VCBlAR
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) March 27, 2022
Before these rules were lifted, it was bizarre in the sense that Irving was able to attend as a spectator without a vaccine. However, he was still unable to participate in games. That made no sense, but Irving has been playing on the road in other states.
In time for the playoffs, Irving will be on the floor at the Barclays Center and road games. It’s perfect timing for the Nets, but inserting Irving full-time into the lineup doesn’t automatically mean that they are destined to go to the NBA Finals.
The Nets are going into tonight with a record of 39-35 and eighth in the Eastern Conference. They’re a game up on the Hornets for the eighth seed, so this is a big one for the Nets. Avoiding the play-in tournament is what the Nets have to aim for at this point.
Charlotte is 38-36 and coming off an impressive 107-101 win over the Utah Jazz on Friday. They’ve been in good form with wins in six of their last seven attempts.
MILES AT IT AGAIN! ?#AllFly | @HusqvarnaUSA pic.twitter.com/cesIgA8aQZ
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 26, 2022
There is no way I’d way to play the Hornets as an opponent in the postseason. They could put teams on upset watch.
This is a team probably better than their record indicates right now. They have learned how to win without Gordon Hayward on the floor. Hayward is nearing a return to contact in his rehab, but is unavailable for the near future, including tonight.
Head below for our free Hornets vs. Nets prediction on March 27, 2022.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Odds and Team Statistics:
The following odds are courtesy of BetOnline:
| Teams | Spread | Moneyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte Hornets | +6 (-110) | +185 | Over 238.5 (-115) |
| Brookyln Nets | -6 (-110) | -215 | Under 238.5 (-110) |
| Team Data | Charlotte Hornets | Brooklyn Nets |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Record | 38-36 | 39-35 |
| ATS Record | 40-32-2 | 31-41-2 |
| Away/Home Record | 18-18 | 16-19 |
| ATS Away/Home | 20-15-1 | 9-25-1 |
| Points Per Game | 114.7 | 112.2 |
| Points Against Per Game | 114.5 | 111.8 |
| Field Goal % | 46.3 | 47.4 |
| Three Point % | 36.2 | 35.7 |
Hornets vs. Nets Prediction:
The Nets had major problems with their defense early last year. It was a paper-thin unit that was giving up points in chunks.
Steve Nash had a big assignment on his hands to fix the defense because the Nets weren’t going anywhere giving up 120 points a game.
The Nets have improved since then, but they’re going to need a lot more offense if this is what they’re bringing into the playoffs.
Brooklyn is allowing 111.8 points per game for 19th in the league. Conversely, they have scored 112.2 points per game.
Their offense is the ninth-best unit in the NBA and fourth in field goal percentage with a 47.4% field goal percentage. They are fine numbers, but need more if the defense doesn’t see improvement.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets Betting Trends:
- 5-1-1 ATS in their previous seven games as an underdog on the road
- 12-3-1 ATS in their previous 16 games on the road
- 5-2 ATS in their previous seven games
- 12-4 ATS in their previous 16 games in March
- UNDER is 6-1 in their previous seven games as an underdog on the road
- 2-6-1 ATS in their previous nine games on a back-to-back
- 9-22 ATS in their previous 31 games as a betting favorite
- 8-24 ATS in their previous after covering the spread
- 0-5 ATS in their previous on a Sunday
- 3-10 ATS in their previous 13 games after a win by more than 10 points
The Hornets have the same defensive problems as the Nets, but I like what they’ve been doing as of late. In four of their previous four attempts, the Hornets have allowed 106 points or less.
Across their last five games, Charlotte has given up 107.8 points a game and a 45.6% field goal percentage. Despite no Hayward, the offense has carried on well with 114.7 points per game for fifth in the league.
Miles: 26 PTS, 11 REB, 4 AST
Terry: 25 PTS, 4 REB
Melo: 21 PTS, 5 AST, 4 REB
IT: 9 PTS, 2 STL
Trez: 9 PTS, 4 REB#AllFly | @drpepper pic.twitter.com/LDtIdO4Vyk— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) March 26, 2022
The combo of Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges, and LaMelo Ball has made up for the loss of Hayward. They are especially dangerous from three, where the Hornets are connecting at a 36.2% clip.
The road hasn’t bothered the Hornets at all. In fact, they are better with 116.6 points a game and a 46.6% field goal percentage. In their last trip to Brooklyn, the Hornets left with a 111-95 win in October.
This should be a close one between the Hornets and Nets with the home team on a back-to-back. I will do a fade of the public and take the points with the Hornets on Sunday evening.
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