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Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Odds, Injury Report, Prediction

By Evan Birchmore

Mar 14, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes to the basket as Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Charlotte won 134-116. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) goes to the basket as Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) defends during the second half at Paycom Center. Charlotte won 134-116. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Charlotte Hornets will play in front of their home crowd for the first time in nearly two weeks tonight when they host the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Odds and Moneyline (FanDuel)

Point spread: Thunder -0.5

Money line: Thunder -108/Hornets -108

Over/under: 240

Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Injury Report

Hornets: Cody Martin (left knee procedure) and Nick Richards (right ankle sprain) are OUT. Dennis Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) is QUESTIONABLE. Kelly Oubre Jr. (left hand sprain) is DOUBTFUL.

Thunder: Chet Holmgren (foot), Aleksej Pokusevski (leg), Jeremiah Robinson-Earl (ankle), and Ousmane Dieng (non-displaced wrist fracture) are OUT.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Key Statistic

Expect plenty of shots to be taken

The Hornets (93.5) and Thunder (92.7) are first and second, respectively, in field goal attempts per game this season.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Key Matchup

LaMelo Ball vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

LaMelo Ball appeared to be hampered by a shoulder injury in Charlotte’s game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night, but the electric third-year guard still managed to post 21 points and 10 rebounds. On the season, Ball is averaging 23.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.

Once a draft pick of the Charlotte Hornets, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to play stellar basketball in his fifth season. On the season, he is averaging 31.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. His 31.5 points per night is the fourth-highest mark in the league and is the highest mark for any Thunder player since Russell Westbrook averaged 31.6 points per night in his MVP season of 2016-17.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder: Prediction

The Hornets have clearly been a better team with LaMelo Ball in the fold, staying competitive in most games since Ball’s return However, they have still lost three of their last four games and 11 of their last 13.

Meanwhile, the Thunder have won four of their last five games, with the only loss coming in overtime against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Look for Oklahoma City to come to Charlotte and leave with the victory.

170. Final. 121. 149. 108

What is next for the Charlotte Hornets?

Saturday, December 31st – vs. Brooklyn Nets (7:00 p.m. ET)

Note: Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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