Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

Charlotte Hornets vs Oklahoma City Thunder December 28th 2024

In a non-conference matchup, the Thunder (-748) will travel to Charlotte to take on the Hornets (+524) at 6:00 ET. The Thunder (-12.5) are currently on a nine-game winning streak and have the best record in the Western Conference (24-5). The Hornets have lost six straight and are 13th in the East (7-23).

The over/under line for this game is currently set at 218.5 points. The game will be played at the Spectrum Center and can be seen on NBA TV.

Thunder vs. Hornets Key Information

The Thunder improved to 24-5 on the season with a 120-114 win over the Pacers on Thursday. Oklahoma City, favored by 5.5 points, covered the spread with the victory. The total score of 234 points went over the pre-game line of 227.5.

After falling behind 12-0 early, the Thunder rallied back, outscoring the Pacers 34-32 in the 2nd quarter. They took control in the 3rd, winning the quarter 30-23, and finished strong in the 4th, outscoring Indiana 37-30 to seal the win.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to a 120-114 win over the Pacers, scoring 45 points with 8 assists and 7 rebounds, shooting 68.2% from the field and hitting 4 threes at 80%. He was especially dominant in the 2nd and 4th quarters, scoring 16 points in each. Jalen Williams added 20 points, with 6 coming in the 3rd and 4th quarters.

As a team, the Thunder shot 46.3% from the field and 35.1% from three, making 13 threes. Luguentz Dort contributed 13 points, hitting 3 threes at 37.5%, with 7 points coming in the 3rd quarter.

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Despite giving up 114 points, the Thunder’s defense did enough to secure the win against the Pacers. Oklahoma City allowed 29 points in the 1st quarter and 32 in the 2nd, but tightened up in the 3rd, holding Indiana to 23 points. The Pacers scored 30 in the 4th, but the Thunder held on for the victory.

The Pacers shot 47% from the field, including 38% from three, with 14 made threes. Indiana also went 16/22 from the free-throw line. The Thunder grabbed 36 defensive rebounds while allowing 11 offensive boards, and they added 4 steals and 4 blocks.

Charlotte’s season record dropped to 7-23 after a 113-110 loss to the Wizards on Thursday. The Hornets, who were -4.5 point favorites, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total score of 223 points fell short of the 229.5-point O/U line.

Charlotte fell behind early, trailing 68-54 at halftime. They rallied in the 3rd quarter, outscoring Washington 33-28, and went on a 10-0 run to take a 110-99 lead. However, they couldn’t hold on, as the Wizards closed out the game on a 14-0 run.

In their 113-110 loss to the Wizards, the Hornets connected on 17 threes, shooting 40.5% from beyond the arc, while finishing with an overall field goal percentage of 43.6%. LaMelo Ball led the way with 31 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, hitting 4 threes despite shooting just 30.8% from deep.

Miles Bridges also knocked down 4 threes, scoring 22 points and grabbing 14 rebounds, while Brandon Miller added 18 points and 9 assists, though he shot just 28.6% from the field. Ball scored 14 points in the 3rd quarter, while Bridges added 7 points in the 4th.

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Despite a strong defensive effort in the 4th quarter, where they allowed just 17 points, the Hornets couldn’t overcome their earlier struggles, giving up 34 points in both the 1st and 2nd quarters in a 113-110 loss to the Wizards. Overall, Charlotte held Washington to 42% shooting from the field.

The Hornets limited the Wizards to 14 made threes on 31% shooting from beyond the arc. Washington went to the line 28 times, converting 21 free throws. Charlotte finished with 39 defensive rebounds, allowing 8 offensive boards, while also recording 6 steals and 4 blocks.

The Hornets come in as the underdog at +12.5, making them our top choice on the point spread. We not only expect them to cover the spread but also believe they have a strong chance of winning the game outright, especially if you’re aiming for a higher moneyline payout.

Regarding the over/under, the current line is set at 218.5, and our model predicts the Thunder and Hornets to score a combined 231 points. We recommend betting on the over.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder Set Sights on Struggling Hornets

The Oklahoma City Thunder aim to extend their winning streak to five games when they visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night. Both teams are heading in opposite directions, with the Thunder surging and the Hornets in a prolonged slump.

Thunder Rolling Behind SGA’s Heroics

Oklahoma City has rebounded impressively after falling in the NBA Cup championship, winning four straight games. Their latest victory, a 120-114 road triumph over the Indiana Pacers, was fueled by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s career-high-tying 45 points.

Gilgeous-Alexander, who has led the Thunder in scoring in seven of their last eight games, put on a show Thursday with nine points in the final minute, including a clutch 3-pointer.

“That was a masterpiece,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. “He just had total control.”

SGA’s scoring average has soared to 31.1 points per game, second in the league. His recent performances highlight his growth and confidence.

“It went in because I took the shot,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “I’d like to think I’ve grown a bit. Trusting my work. It’s about continuing to push forward.”

The Thunder’s defense has been another key to their success, holding four of their last six opponents under 100 points.

Hornets Struggling Through Tough Stretch

The Charlotte Hornets, meanwhile, are mired in a six-game losing streak and have lost 14 of their last 15 games. Their latest setback came in a 113-110 road loss to the Washington Wizards, one of the few teams with fewer victories than Charlotte.

Despite the struggles, Hornets coach Charles Lee remains optimistic.

“I have total faith that we will continue to push through and keep getting better every day,” Lee said.

LaMelo Ball, averaging 30.1 points per game, has been a bright spot for the Hornets since returning from injury. Ball has scored 30-plus points twice in recent games and has alternated with Miles Bridges as Charlotte’s top scorer in four of the last five contests.

Frontcourt Challenges and Signs of Hope

Charlotte’s post presence is showing signs of improvement with Mark Williams and Nick Richards both back in action. Williams delivered 16 points on 8-for-11 shooting in 26 minutes against Washington, a performance that could signal his growing role after missing the first two months of the season.

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Richards’ minutes have been limited recently, while rookie swingman Brandon Miller has rejoined the rotation. Miller scored 18 points in 36 minutes against Washington, though he struggled with efficiency, shooting just 6-for-21.

“Defensively, he’ll give us a boost,” Lee said of Miller. “Offensively, with his ability to shoot … I think he’s one of the better catch-and-shoot players on our team.”

Matchup Outlook

The Hornets’ offense has been sputtering, scoring more than 110 points only once in their last six games. That trend bodes well for a Thunder defense that has been locking down opponents during their recent hot streak.

With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, Oklahoma City appears poised to capitalize on Charlotte’s struggles and extend their winning streak to five games.