Pick against the spread, best player prop for Bucks vs. Hornets on Tuesday

The Milwaukee Bucks (37-23) will face off against the Charlotte Hornets (30-30) in an important match-up for both sides ahead of the playoffs. The Bucks, though they’re only 5-5 in their last 10, are coming off a pair of wins over the Philadelphia 76ers and a narrow one-point loss to the Phoenix Suns in overtime last week. They most recently lost to the Atlanta Hawks, but are ready to continue their road trip against the eighth-place Hornets. Charlotte has been struggling with injuries, missing players like Gordon Hayward (foot) and LaMelo Ball (wrist) long term while Malik Monk (ankle) is listed as questionable ahead of tonight’s contest.

Bucks vs. Hornets, 7:00 p.m. ET, NBA TV

Pick ATS: Hornets +9

While possibly everyone is considering the Bucks to be the eventual winner of tonight’s game, it’s not out of the question for the Hornets to cover the spread especially in a lopsided game like this. Charlotte is 32-27-1 against the spread this season while Milwaukee sits at 27-33. The Bucks have averaged 120.4 points per game through their last five outings while the Hornets have only averaged 106 through that same stretch, but their many offensive options just helped take down the Celtics on Sunday as four different players scored 20-plus points, with Devonte’ Graham leading the way with 24. Milwaukee is the clear favorite, but don’t be surprised if Charlotte finds a way to cover the spread at home — even if they lose — as they look to extend their winning streak to three.

Player Prop: Khris Middleton O17.5 points (-107)

Regardless of the outcome of this game, it’s safe to say Khris Middleton will most likely put in a good showing. He’s scored over 20 points in three of his last five games and has averaged 19.1 throughout the month of April — just one point less than his season average. Aside from a four-point performance in their thrashing of the Sixers, Middleton has been putting in solid performances lately, helping the Bucks stay a comfortable four games ahead of the fourth-place Knicks heading into May.

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