Brooklyn Nets (5-9) vs Charlotte Hornets (5-8)
November 19, 2024 at 07:30 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Brooklyn Nets +100 / Charlotte Hornets -116 — Over/Under: 223.5
The Brooklyn Nets (5-9) will host the Charlotte Hornets (5-8) on November 19, 2024, at the Barclays Center. Both teams are struggling to find consistent form, with the Nets having lost five of their last six games and the Hornets on a five-game road losing streak.
Cam Thomas leads the scoring for Brooklyn with 24.6 PPG. Despite their offensive struggles, the team’s ball movement (26.3 APG) is a highlight, with Ben Simmons providing 7 APG. They average 111.4 points per game while allowing 114.6, but they are struggling on defense. Their shooting efficiency (45.8% FG, 37.3% 3PT) is stronger compared to the Hornets.
For the Hornets they’re averaging 108.7 PPG and conceding 113.9 PPG, Charlotte’s offense has been inconsistent. They rank lower in shooting percentage (42.9% FG, 35.4% 3PT), but their rebounding edge (46.2 RPG) could be crucial. LaMelo Ball has been on fire, averaging 29.7 PPG along with 6.7 assists and 5 rebounds per game. His playmaking will be pivotal for the Hornets, especially with key frontcourt players like Mark Williams and Nick Richards out due to injuries.
Cam Thomas Under 23.5 Points
Cam Thomas is having another strong scoring season, establishing himself as the Brooklyn Nets’ primary scoring option. Through 14 games, he is averaging 24.6 points per game while shooting efficiently from the field. His shooting splits include a field goal percentage of 45.8%, a three-point percentage of 39.2% on 7.3 attempts per game, and an excellent free throw percentage of 86.5% on 6.4 attempts per game.
Even Though Cam Thomas is the main scorer for this Nets team we’ve seen his production slow down over his last few games. In his last 10 games, we’ve seen him score less than 20 points in 6 of them. The Hornets do play at a slower pace averaging 102.5 possessions per game which is below the league average. I expect Cam Thomas to have some massive games this season but I don’t think this is the spot where it happens.
Dennis Schroder Over 5.5 Assists
Dennis Schröder has been performing well as a playmaker for the Brooklyn Nets so far this season. Schröder is averaging 6.1 assists per game over the first 14 games of the season while playing about 34.2 minutes per game. His best games include an impressive 14-assist performance against Denver on October 29, 2024. In several other games, he recorded between 7-8 assists, demonstrating his consistent contribution as a primary distributor. Schröder’s ability to create scoring opportunities for teammates has been crucial, especially in a Brooklyn Nets team relying on efficient ball movement and spacing.
I expect him to have another strong night dishing the wrong on Tuesday. He’s coming off 2 games against the Knicks where he had 8 assists in the first game and 6 assists in the second game. The Hornets are allowing 26.5 assists per game to opposing teams which is above the league average.
Lamelo Ball Over 27.5 Points
LaMelo Ball has been an explosive scorer in the 2024-25 NBA season, averaging 29.7 points per game over the 13 games he has played so far. He is shooting 43.5% from the field, with a solid 36.1% from beyond the arc, making 4.6 three-pointers per game. His three-point shooting volume is significant, with him attempting 12.8 shots per game. Additionally, he has been an excellent free-throw shooter at 88.2%, contributing to his efficient scoring.
I still think there’s a lot of value in taking the over on LaMelo’s points. More often than not Ball is putting up at least 30 points. This Hornets team lacks other scorers so he needs to be the guy. I’m also not high on this Hornets defense. We’ve seen other teams light up the scoreboard against Brooklyn. Expect LaMelo to have another big night.