NBA Betting Preview – New Orleans Hornets vs. New York Knicks

The Hornets were buzzing with optimism when we opened the season, but a team that is in serious financial trouble is in dangerous territory on the court. Falling to an early 1-2 SU record, the Hornets have gotten smashed by championship contenders from Boston and San Antonio. They showed some life at home, beating the Kings 97-92, but now they have to travel to MSG and face a spread busting Knicks team.

The Hornets are 1-4 ATS on the road stretching back to last season, and though they’re 4-1 ATS against New York in MSG, I still don’t trust what the Hornets have become. They went from one of the most reliable bets in 2008 to a complete bust in 2009. In the current BetUS NBA betting season, the Hornets are going to take a while to find their identity. They made a ballsy trade giving up Tyson Chandler for Emeka Okafor. Would I do that trade? Ten times out of ten. But Okafor is an entirely different center than Chandler (plays defense, doesn’t ruin plays for his teammates, has a good work ethic…you get my drift) because Okie is simply not as athletic as Chandler.

New Orleans Hornets (1-2) vs. New York Knicks (0-3)

Monday, November 2nd --- Madison Square Garden, New York --- 7:30pm EST

NBA Betting Line: New Orleans -3 (204.5)

New York is absolutely abysmal this year. They’re giving up a -12.7 point differential this year and are struggling to find a soul with David Lee and Nate Robinson complaining about contract extensions (which aren’t coming). Most teams are doing what they can to shore up what little talent is floating around in free-agency. The Blazers threw nearly $140 million at Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge. The Raptors brought in Hedo. The Knicks? They’re waiting LeBron, who is becoming their proverbial Godot.

With that in mind, the Knicks have some good matchups here. And a low spread is in their favor whenever they play at home. The momentum train on “Knicks At Home ATS” is losing steam, but I’m not punching out…yet.

Furious Free Pick: NYK +3 (OVER)