Stephen Nover's Sunday Special
(NBA) Charlotte vs. Dallas,
Point Spread: 10.00 | -107.00 Charlotte (Away)
Result: Loss
The Hornets got the rust off on Saturday when they lost 110-103 to the hot Thunder at home. That was Charlotte's first game since Feb. 10.




The Hornets had covered five straight times as underdogs until last night. They are contending for a playoff spot, upgraded their backcourt by adding veteran Mo Williams, who played extremely well last night, and rank fifth in fewest points allowed per game.




Charlotte is scrappy, well-coached and usually very good in an underdog role. The Hornets also have covered in seven of their last nine road games.




The Hornets can take advantage of Dallas' soft frontcourt with Al Jefferson and have perhaps their best defensive player back from injury in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.




Dallas is off a satisfying and much needed victory this past Friday against Houston. Up next for the Mavericks are far more challenging games against Toronto and Atlanta.




The Mavericks are not a strong home club. They are 5-13-2 ATS in their last 20 home games. Dallas also is likely to be missing Chandler Parsons, who suffered a sprained ankle against the Rockets. Parsons is Dallas' third-leading scorer and top 3-point shooter. His absence will be felt especially with Monta Ellis in a shooting slump making only 35.1 percent of his shots from the floor during the last eight games.