A seven-game slate on Thursday includes the Cavs heading to Charlotte in what is now a very dangerous matchup, while OKC also face Giannis and the Bucks.
Cleveland Cavaliers @ Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets are becoming a real dangerous proposition after scalps over the Thunder and Lakers, both coming in blowout wins. They’re getting valuable minutes into their starting lineup, building strong chemistry, and suddenly look like a genuine threat.
As for the Cavs, it’s still unclear what version of this team will turn up. With Darius Garland sidelined again, this won’t be an easy road trip to Charlotte.
LEG 1 - Brandon Miller 20+ Points
Miller has been flying over the past three weeks, averaging 22.5 points per game across his last 11 outings on consistently high shot volume.
If you remove the ejection against the Pacers from that sample, he’s averaging 24 points across 10 games and has cleared 20+ in seven of those, including each of his last three.
The Cavs rate as one of the weaker defensive teams in the league, so expect plenty of scoring opportunities here, with Miller leading the way for Charlotte.
LEG 2 - Kon Knueppel 15+ Points
The rookie continues to produce for Charlotte, averaging 19 points per game this season.
Knueppel has hit 15+ points in 15 of his last 18 games, with one miss coming against Utah when he played just 18 minutes. He should find this number again.
LEG 3 - Collin Sexton 10+ Points
An impact scorer off the bench, Sexton is averaging 14.9 points per game this season and is close to a lock for double digits.
He’s cleared 10+ points in 31 of his 34 games this season. One miss came in an injury-shortened eight-minute appearance, while another saw him limited to just 14 minutes against the Lakers.
If he plays closer to 20 minutes here, which is likely, he should comfortably cover.
Same Game Multi
Miller 20+ Points / Knueppel 15+ Points / Sexton 10+ Points = $3.60
VALUE BET
The Hornets are erratic, but when it clicks they look extremely dangerous.
They’re 5-4 across their last nine games, with wins over the Thunder, Lakers and Nuggets among those results.
Remarkably, all five of those wins were by 11+ points, with an average winning margin of 27 points.
Looking further back, their two December wins also came by 11+ margins against the Magic and Wizards. When Charlotte wins, they tend to win big.
