Any reasonable spread involving the Hornets these days is a buy signal to go the other way against Charlotte, which is on one of the worst three-game skids we can recall. The Hornets haven't come closer than 36 points in any of those losses (53 and 42 points in the others), and not sure about the status of top scorer and lone threat G LaMelo Ball, who missed Tuesday 128-82 loss at Golden State with a sore ankle (and reportedly ill as well). Dallas is shorthanded minus almost its entire frontline but still has Kyrie Irving, whose has twice scored 35 in the last three games, and Jason Kidd's team is remaining surprisingly competitive despite the injuries. Play Mavs

This is a large number for Max Christie who is averaging 9.5 PPG this season. Christie was included in the trade that sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers and has played well since joining his new team, however I would argue he is playing above his head and is a regression candidate. This is also a fairly neutral matchup as the Hornets play at the 8th slowest pace. Additionally the Mavs are double digit favorites and in the event this game is a blow out, it's unlikely Christie would play 4th quarter minutes. I think this closes at 13.5 where I would play this for a half unit.

Mavs are short some key talent but they are long on hustle and heart. Kyrie is playing unreal and Klay has his stroke going. They seem motivated to stay in playoff position despite the Luka trade. Mavs have covered 8 of 9 and suffered a bad loss to Hornets already. They'll be ready. Hornets lost 13 of 15, 2-5 ATS in last 7, haven't played at home since 1/20 and are road weary, struggling to break 88 points a game. They lost 4 straight by 14+. Averaging just 95 PPG over epic 8 game road trip. Yeah, this is 9 in row on road for them. Even POR and SAC are beating them down. I want this under 10.