The Charlotte Hornets are one of those teams that are challenging to label as outright underdogs, but at the same time, it’s a stretch to expect them to compete for something serious, like reaching the second round of the playoffs. However, the Hornets’ roster looks quite interesting and potent. Could this season be a breakthrough for them?
Although most bookmakers have given less than optimistic forecasts for Charlotte, ranking them outside the top twenty teams in the league in terms of strength. If you plan to bet on the NBA, it would be useful to read a review of one of the most popular bookmakers, which is available at the link https://mostbet-az-mobile.xyz/.
So, the Charlotte Hornets and their new season. What kind of team is it, who is the leader, and what can we expect?
Key Facts
Last season’s results: 14th place, 27-55 record.
Roster:
Arrivals – Kai Jones (27th pick), Frank Ntilikina, Brandon Miller (2nd pick).
Returnees – LaMelo Ball, Terry Rozier, James Bouknight, Cody Martin, Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, PJ Washington, Nick Richards, Mark Williams.
What to Expect from the Team:
Last year, this team significantly suffered due to the injury of their star player, LaMelo Ball, who had to prematurely end the season. Although the injury occurred closer to the middle of the regular season, by that point, the team’s prospects were already questionable.
Overall, the Hornets have been plagued by a negative vibe. Frequent injuries to key players like Ball and Hayward, legal issues with players like Bridges and Bouknight, recent incidents involving Kai Jones and his unexpected trade request, and a controversial “GOAT Life” rap album – all contribute to a somewhat turbulent atmosphere. It’s too early to draw conclusions, but it seems that with the majority ownership of the team sold by Michael Jordan for an estimated $3 billion over the summer, leaving him as a minority owner, the so-called “negative vibe” that has haunted the club, along with poor management, may improve in the coming season.
As a parting gift, Michael Jordan left the franchise with a somewhat questionable second pick in this year’s Draft, Brandon Miller. It’s not fair to say that Miller is untalented and didn’t deserve to be chosen second overall, but his potential is slightly lower than that of Scottie Henderson. In the distant future, this could become noticeable.
It will also be interesting to see how Miles Bridges’s story unfolds. He was supposed to return to the court this season but recently had another run-in with his ex-partner and was sent back to court.
The minimal saga over PJ Washington’s contract extension finally came to an end after nearly a year. Realizing he wouldn’t get $20 million a year as a restricted free agent, he agreed to the offered 48/3 deal from the Hornets. Returning to Charlotte, he’s in a nearly ideal situation. The key is to make progress.
Season Joker: LaMelo Ball
In the summer, the youngest of the Ball brothers signed a massive deal – 260/5. He needs to justify the substantial investment in him and reach a genuinely star level. He certainly has the potential for it. LaMelo has incredible court vision and can be a focal player. Moreover, nobody on the team is going to argue that Ball is the main star and the first fiddle.
Prediction: 13th place in the Eastern Conference.
Bettors are in for a treat with this Monday Night Football showdown as it features two of the NFC’s top playoff contenders. The Rams (6-3 SU, 5-4) are coming off an impressive 23-16 win over the Seahawks, covering as 3-point home favorites. Meanwhile, the Bucs (7-3 SU, 5-5 ATS) rebounded from a 38-3 beatdown by the Saints in Week 9 with a resounding 46-23 win over the Panthers last week, easily covering as 6-point road favorites. The Rams are + 48 in point differential. The Bucs are + 70.
8:20 p.m. ET: Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks
This is it: 2 Great Coaches, 2 Great Franchises and 2 Athletic Quarterbacks!
The Chargers are coming off their biggest win of the season, upsetting the mighty Packers 26-11 as 4-point home underdogs. Los Angeles has now won two straight after beating the Bears 17-16 as 3.5-point road dogs the week before. The Raiders are coming off a 31-24 win over the Lions, covering as 2.5-point favorites, which snapped a brief two-game losing streak. While their records are similar, these AFC West rivals have far different records against the spread (Chargers 3-5-1 ATS vs Raiders 5-3 ATS). However, the Chargers enjoy a +15 point differential while the Raiders sit at -34. Both teams average about the same in terms of points scored (Chargers 20.3 PPG vs Raiders 22.8 PPG). The difference is on defense where Los Angeles allows just 18.7 PPG compared to Oakland’s 27 PPG.
When two teams like Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers collide, there’s no doubt that fans all across the world get pumped up.
