Charlotte Hornets vs Denver Nuggets Betting Pick & Prediction 2/20/25

The Charlotte Hornets (+760) travel to Denver to take on the Nuggets (-1239) in a non-conference matchup. The Hornets are 14th in the Eastern Conference with a record of 14-39, while the Nuggets are 3rd in the Western Conference and have won eight straight games.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:00 ET at Ball Arena. Denver is currently favored by 16 points, and the over/under line is set at 228. ALT will broadcast the game.

CHARLOTTE HORNETS VS DENVER NUGGETS BETTING PICK

The Pick: Denver Nuggets -16

This game will be played at Ball Arena at 9:00 ET on Thursday, February 20th.

WHY BET THE DENVER NUGGETS:

• We have this one finishing with a projected score of 125-106 in favor of the Nuggets.
• Our projections have Nikola Jokić finishing with 27 points, 12 rebounds and 9 assists.
• From the field, we have the Nuggets finishing with a field goal percentage of 50.0% and knocking down 12 threes.

Will Charlotte Secure A Victory as Road Underdogs?

Charlotte improved to 14-39 on the season with a 100-97 win over the Lakers on Wednesday. The Hornets, who were +13 point underdogs, not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread. The game’s total of 197 points fell well short of the 230.5 O/U line.

The Lakers went on a 12-0 run early, but Charlotte responded by outscoring them 32-18 in the 3rd quarter. Heading into the 4th with a 69-66 lead, the Hornets held on despite the final quarter ending 31-31.

In their win over the Lakers, the Hornets shot just 36.3% from the field, but connected on 18 threes, shooting 34% from beyond the arc. Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball each hit 5 threes, with Bridges leading the team with 29 points and Ball adding 27.

Bridges scored 11 points in the 3rd quarter, while Ball put up 12 in the 4th. Nick Smith also added 6 points in the final period, finishing with 12 points and 4 made threes.

The Hornets’ defense was strong in their win over the Lakers, giving up just 97 points. They were particularly effective in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing only 20 and 18 points, respectively. Overall, they held the Lakers to 41% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Hornets limited the Lakers to 29% shooting, with 15 made threes. They also sent the Lakers to the free-throw line just 12 times, where they made 8. Defensively, the Hornets recorded 12 steals and 4 blocks.

Can the Nuggets Hold Strong at Home?

The Nuggets improved to 36-19 on the season with a 132-121 win over the Trail Blazers on Wednesday. Playing at home, Denver entered the game as -9 point favorites and covered the spread. The total score of 253 points exceeded the over/under line of 231.5 by 21.5 points.

Denver took control early, leading 40-27 after the 1st quarter and 75-56 at halftime. They extended their lead to 107-91 going into the 4th quarter, allowing them to withstand a late push by Portland, who outscored them 30-25 in the final period.

Jamal Murray’s 55-point explosion, including 7 threes at 46.7%, powered the Nuggets to a win over the Trail Blazers. Murray was consistent throughout, scoring 14 points in the 1st quarter, 16 in the 2nd, 15 in the 3rd, and 10 in the 4th. Denver hit 15 threes at a 39.5% rate, with a 51% overall shooting percentage.

Nikola Jokić added a double-double with 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Christian Braun contributed 21 points and 10 boards. Braun scored 11 of his points in the opening quarter. Zeke Nnaji chipped in 16 points, and Julian Strawther added 11, with 8 coming in the 2nd quarter.

Defensively, the Nuggets gave up 121 points to the Trail Blazers but still managed to come out on top. They allowed 27 points in the 1st quarter and 29 in the 2nd, while the 3rd quarter was their toughest, giving up 35 points. In the 4th, they allowed 30 points. Overall, Denver held Portland to 45% shooting from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Trail Blazers hit 14 threes at a 36% clip. The Nuggets also sent Portland to the line 29 times, where they made 21 free throws. Denver finished with 37 defensive rebounds, allowing 14 offensive boards. They also recorded 9 steals and 7 blocks.