Wednesday features 7 games on the NBA slate with start times ranging from 7:00 PM ET to 10:00 PM ET. Can the Hornets cover the 2.5-point spread as home underdogs against the Cavs? Will the Pistons defeat the Pelicans by 10+ points at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans? I’ll pick both contests below. Read on for our Wednesday NBA Best Bets Jan. 21 article.
NBA Best Bet: Charlotte Hornets +2.5 over Cleveland Cavaliers
I like Charlotte here. The Hornets are primed to cover the 2.5-point spread as home underdogs against a Cleveland team missing key playmakers. Charlotte has been remarkably consistent for bettors, posting a 7-3 ATS record over their last 10 games overall and a matching 7-3 ATS mark in their last 10 head-to-head meetings with Cleveland. Their reliability at the Spectrum Center is proven by a 9-6 ATS record as home underdogs, while their 17-12 ATS record in conference play suggests they step up in Eastern Conference battles. With Darius Garland out, expect Charlotte to keep this game a possession-for-possession fight. Final score projection: CHARLOTTE HORNETS 118, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS 116.
NBA Best Bet: New Orleans Pelicans +9.5 over Detroit Pistons
I’d take New Orleans in this game. Despite being considerable underdogs, the Pelicans are well-positioned to cover the 9.5-point spread at home on Wednesday. New Orleans has proven solid at the Smoothie King Center, carrying a 14-10-1 ATS record as the home team this season. They also benefit from a scheduling edge, having gone 3-2 ATS when playing with a rest advantage this year. Historically, the Pelicans have dominated this matchup, going 7-2 straight up and 6-3 ATS in their last nine meetings against Detroit. With Zion Williamson anchoring the interior, expect the Pelicans to keep this within a few possessions. Final score projection: DETROIT PISTONS 118, NEW ORLEANS PELICANS 112.
Wednesday NBA Best Bets Jan. 21
- Charlotte Hornets +2.5
- New Orleans Pelicans +9.5
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