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Oklahoma City Thunder vs Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center in NBA Cup play. Oklahoma City owns the league’s best record at 12-1, riding a four-game winning streak with dominant margins. Charlotte, 4-8, split its last two games against Milwaukee and welcomed back LaMelo Ball, who adds playmaking and leadership. Bettors will weigh the Thunder’s depth and efficiency against the Hornets’ home-court resilience.
Line Movement and Odds
- Thunder Spread: -14.5 (-115)
- Hornets Spread: +14.5 (-105)
- Thunder MoneyLine: -1250
- Hornets MoneyLine: +790
- Total: 229.5 (-110)
Oklahoma City opened as a heavy favorite, reflecting their elite efficiency and Charlotte’s inconsistency. See full NBA odds for market movement.
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Matchup Breakdown
Oklahoma City Thunder Outlook
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages 32.5 points and 6.6 assists, leading the Thunder in 11 of 13 games. Isaiah Hartenstein controls the glass with 11.2 rebounds per game, while Isaiah Joe adds 16.3 points off the bench with 3.6 threes per game. Oklahoma City ranks 4th in scoring (122.5 ppg), 1st in free throw percentage (86.3%), and leads the league in defense (107 ppg allowed). Their depth and balance make them formidable.
Charlotte Hornets Outlook
Miles Bridges and Kon Knueppel each scored 32 in Friday’s overtime loss to Milwaukee. LaMelo Ball returned with 16 points and 10 assists, boosting Charlotte’s offense. The Hornets rank 7th in three-pointers made (14.8 per game) and free throw percentage (82.0%). They also sit 9th in rebounding, giving them a chance to control possessions. Home-court success, including a recent win over Milwaukee, provides confidence.
Key Matchup / Path to Victory
The Thunder must continue leveraging Gilgeous-Alexander’s scoring and their defensive efficiency to overwhelm Charlotte. The Hornets need Ball’s playmaking and Bridges’ scoring to keep pace, while rebounding and perimeter shooting are critical to staying competitive.
Injuries / Availability
Oklahoma City has no major new injuries reported. For full player status, check the Thunder injury report.
Charlotte lists LaMelo Ball (ankle) as day-to-day after returning Friday. Liam McNeeley (illness) and Ryan Kalkbrenner (personal) missed the last game. See the Hornets injury page for latest updates.
Environment
The game tips at Spectrum Center, where Charlotte is 3-3 at home. Oklahoma City is 6-1 on the road, showing dominance in hostile environments. Expect pace to favor the Thunder’s efficiency, while Charlotte relies on Ball’s tempo control to stay close.
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Best Bets and Prediction
Projected Final Score: Thunder 125, Hornets 110
- Best Bet: Thunder -14.5
Oklahoma City’s elite defense and scoring depth point to a comfortable cover. - Total: Over 229.5
Both teams trend high-scoring, and our model projects 235 points.
The Thunder’s balance and dominance should prevail, but Charlotte’s shooting and Ball’s return give them a chance to keep the game lively.
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