Nuggets vs Hornets odds – Point-guard play should decide series
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Nuggets vs Hornets odds provide an opportunity for fans to learn some lessons in playing point guard. This first-round series between No. 2 Denver and No. 7 New Orleans features arguably the best point men in the conference, Chauncey Billups and Chris Paul. Sports betting lines favor the much-improved Nuggets, but Paul and the Hornets make for a very dangerous No. 7 seed.
Nuggets vs Hornets odds: Denver’s bench will be the difference maker
- WHO: Nuggets vs Hornets odds
- WHAT: Best-of-seven series
- WHEN: Game 1 is on Sunday, April 19
- WHERE: Pepsi Center, Denver, CO
- KEY STATS: These two split their four regular-season meetings
- PICK: Denver in six games
The Hornets dropped six of their last 10 to fall to the seventh spot but, as long as Paul is running the show, New Orleans always has a chance. Paul led the league in assists and steals, while leading the Hornets in points, and “CP3” dictates the Hornets’ tempo at both ends of the floor.
David West quietly had another All-Star season, but Peja Stojakovic struggled with injuries, which allowed defenses to lean on West in the post. Tyson Chandler also had injury problems and he was traded at the deadline, only to be returned to the Hornets after a failed physical. However, we’re about to see why the Hornets went after James Posey in the offseason. Posey is a veteran player with two championship rings, including last year with Boston, and he’ll bring some toughness to this team.
The Nuggets lost three of their first four, traded Allen Iverson to Detroit for Billups, and the rest, NBA betting players say, is history. Billups went to the All-Star Game and he changed the culture of the Nuggets’ locker room; as an NBA champion and Finals MVP, the Denver players respect him greatly.
Carmelo Anthony is still one of the best pure scorers in the league, while Nene and Kenyon Martin are an intimidating inside duo that finally remained healthy for a season. Off the bench, Chris “Birdman” Andersen led the team in blocks after returning from a drug suspension, and when the streaky J.R. Smith gets hot, he can score with the best in the league.
NBA odds favor the higher-seeded Nuggets, who split their season series at with New Orleans at two wins a piece, with each team winning a game in the other’s arena. The matchup between Paul and Billups could be the most interesting of any first-round series, as both players have stamped their authority on their teams.
CRAIG’S PICK: West will have his hands full with Nene and Martin, while Posey will be his harassing best against the temperamental Anthony. However, the X-factor in this series will be the bench, and Denver wins this category hands down behind Smith, Andersen and Linas Kleiza. Bet on Denver in six games.
For more Nuggets vs Hornets odds and other NBA lines, visit the BetOnline.com Sportsbook.
Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing: sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
