The set-up: Neither team has lived up to expectations this year. Injuries and other issues have led to a 24-34 record for the Wizards and a 27-30 record for the Hornets. Washington lost 129-120 on the road in Toronto most recently, while the Hornets fell 127-89 on the road to Orlando in their final game before the All Star break. The Wizards look impotent though, going into the break with two straight losses and five in seven. Washington averages 113.9 PPG and it allows 116.9. The Hornets won't be lacking for motivation here though either after dropping two in a row and four of five. But the Hornets still hold the seventh spot in the East and I think that the extra time off couldn't have come at a better time. Charlotte averages 110.8 PPG and it allows 111.3.

The pick: Take it for what you will as well, but Washington is just 8-21 ATS on the road this year, while Charlotte is 15-10 ATS in its last 25 at home. Look for the home side to lay the hammer down. Lay the points.

8* play