Alperen Åžengün is trading at even money for the over 19.5 points on Thursday, and that’s a number I’m happy to buy, as I believe it should be priced closer to -165. While the Charlotte Hornets have had some success with Moussa Diabaté anchoring the back line of their defense, this remains an excellent matchup for Åžengün. Diabaté is an elite athlete who can rebound and block shots, but he lacks the polish and defensive discipline needed to contain a center as patient and technically sound as Åžengün. With Ed Malloy serving as crew chief, Åžengün should also benefit from a favorable whistle and increased trips to the free-throw line. His combination of footwork, strength, and basketball IQ is tailor-made to exploit Diabaté’s inexperience, potentially putting him in foul trouble and generating efficient scoring chances that push Åžengün comfortably over this total.
Total PicksCHA 128, HOU 123
Nittanymac5800 is #1 on picking games that Charlotte is in with a record of (28-21-1) and +8600 units on the season.
Mod2323 is #10 on picking games that Houston is in with a record of (26-16-0) and +7400 units on the season.
stakay125 is #2 on picking games that Houston is in with a record of (29-10-0) and +11250 units on the season.
fishercz is #4 on picking games that Charlotte is in with a record of (28-21-1) and +7000 units on the season.
greenhouse12 is #4 on picking games that Houston is in with a record of (32-16-0) and +8650 units on the season.
vladislav1968 is #5 on picking games that Charlotte is in with a record of (27-17-0) and +6750 units on the season.
teslaxyz is #7 on picking games that Houston is in with a record of (29-19-0) and +8100 units on the season.
YIAYIA is #8 on picking games that Houston is in with a record of (31-16-0) and +7560 units on the season.