*8* play on OVER Jazz/Hornets.

The slumping Charlotte Hornets have lost nine of their last 10 and they've struggled particularly at the defensive end of the court lately. The Utah Jazz are among the lowest scoring teams in the NBA but managed 109 points when they defeated the Lakers Saturday. This total looks too low to not take a shot at.

Here are my keys to the game:

1. The Hornets Defense - Charlotte allowed Milwaukee to shoot 54.2% in Saturday's 105-92 loss and it has given up 100 points or more in seven of its last 10 games.

2. Rudy Gobert - The Utah center has played six games since missing 18 between Dec. 3 - January. 7 with a MCL sprain. He recorded a season-high 18 points and 18 boards in Saturday's 109-82 win against the Lakers and will be a forced to be reckoned with today as well, particularly as the Hornets' center Al Jefferson is still out with a knee injury.

3. X-Factor - Charlotte rookie Trey Lyles is averaging 17.3 points on 20-of-30 shooting over his last three games and he recorded exactly 17 against the Lakers his last game.

Selection: This is a play on UTAH@CHA to go OVER the total (8*)