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Pick against the spread, best player prop for Hornets vs. Pacers in play-in tournament

We go over some of the best betting options for the NBA play-in tournament matchup between the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers on Tuesday.

Charlotte Hornets forward PJ Washington reacts after a three point basket against the San Antonio Spurs at Spectrum Center.  Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The loser of Tuesday’s play-in game between the Charlotte Hornets and Indiana Pacers will go home, as both teams are outside of the top 10 in the Eastern Conference. The stakes don’t get higher than an elimination game, and DraftKings Sportsbook has the odds for the matchup ahead of tip-off. Let’s take a look at the best bets to make.

Update: Here’s a look at betting splits prior to the game via DraftKings Sportsbook:

CHA-IND Betting Splits

Teams Point Spread % Handle % Bets Total Points % Handle % Bets Moneyline % Handle % Bets
Teams Point Spread % Handle % Bets Total Points % Handle % Bets Moneyline % Handle % Bets
CHA Hornets +1.5 35% 27% Over 226.5 41% 49% +102 60% 50%
IND Pacers -1.5 65% 73% Under 226.5 59% 51% -121 40% 50%

Update: Sabonis, Brogdon, Aaron Holiday and Sumner are all available to play vs. the Hornets.

Update: Caris LeVert (health and safety protocols) is expected to be out, per Shams Charania. The Pacers-Hornets line will likely move and there are multiple players questionable, including Domantas Sabonis. The Pacers are now -1.5 on DKSB.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers, 6:30 p.m. ET, TNT

Pick ATS: Pacers -3.5

Indiana is favored despite having lost its last two games against Charlotte. Having a home-court advantage bodes well for the Pacers, but the absence of Myles Turner (toe) could help Charlotte keep things close. Malcolm Brogdon (hamstring) is expected to be a game-time decision and has been a major contributor in each of Indiana’s first two games against Charlotte. The Hornets’ first two games against the Pacers were decided by an average of 6.5 points. Charlotte claimed a 17-point victory in the one-game Brogdon sat out, and LaMelo Ball didn’t even play in that contest. If Brogdon plays, I like the Pacers to cover. If he’s not good to go, the Hornets could cover the spread and secure an upset thanks to their edge in the backcourt.

Player Prop: PJ Washington O7.5 rebounds (+105)

Miles Bridges is back in the fold after missing time because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols, so Washington will likely move back to being a small-ball center in the play-in game. He’s grabbed at least nine boards in five of his last six games and will be up against a Pacers frontcourt that’s much smaller than usual with Turner out. It’s hard to see Washington not being successful on the glass given his position change. Indiana gives up the sixth-most rebound per game (27.1) to opposing teams.

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