Bucks vs. Hornets: Preview, Injuries, and Betting Odds for November 16 Matchup

The Charlotte Hornets (4-7) are set to face the Milwaukee Bucks (4-8) on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. The game tips off at 3:00 PM ET and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network and NBA League Pass.

The Bucks, under the leadership of new head coach Doc Rivers, have had a challenging start to the season but have recently shown signs of improvement with back-to-back wins over the Detroit Pistons and Toronto Raptors. Despite their injuries, Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a pivotal figure, leading the NBA with 33.3 points per game. However, the Bucks are dealing with several key injuries, including Damian Lillard (head), Khris Middleton (ankle), and Ryan Rollins (shoulder), with Bobby Portis (elbow) listed as doubtful[2][4][6].

The Hornets, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back from consecutive road losses to the Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic. LaMelo Ball is a key player for the Hornets, averaging 29.9 points per game, which ranks him fourth in the league. The Hornets have their own injury concerns, with Miles Bridges (knee) listed as questionable and Mark Williams (foot), Nick Richards (ribs), and DaQuan Jeffries (hand) all out[2][3][6].

The betting odds favor the Bucks by 3.5 to 4 points, with the over/under set at 217.5 to 218.5 points. The moneyline odds have the Bucks at -165 to -175 and the Hornets at +139 to +146. Analysts suggest that the Hornets have a good chance of covering the spread, given their recent form and the Bucks’ injury issues[3][5][6].

The matchup also features the season debut of the Hornets’ mint jerseys and mint court, adding an extra layer of motivation for the home team to secure a win[2].

In terms of team statistics, the Bucks are scoring 111 points per game but allowing 113.5 points per contest. The Hornets are averaging 107.6 points per game while allowing 112.6 points. The game is expected to be closely contested, with both teams looking to capitalize on their opponents’ weaknesses[3][6].