T.M. Selection: Dallas Mavericks.

I like the Dallas Mavericks to cover the spread against the Charlotte Hornets in this game on Monday. The Mavericks have been losing a lot of games lately but they looked a lot better in their most recent game with Hardaway and Porzingis back in their lineup. They won against OKC in that game which is not that impressive but they did win by 19 points and they didn't have Doncic playing in that game. Doncic has been ruled out for this game too but with Porzingis there I think he can play a good defensive game and keep the Hornets from scoring a lot of points. I also think having Hardaway back will help out their offense and I expect Jalen Brunson to pick up most of the slack in Doncic's absence here. The Hornets haven't looked that great lately either, they won their most recent game but just by 1 point at home and that is just their 2nd win in their previous 7 games. The Hornets have not been a good team on the road this year either. They do have a losing record in road games this year but they have also lost 3 of their previous 4 on the road. The Hornets aren't quite fully healthy for this game either and are missing a few starters. Ball has been ruled out and I think that is going to disrupt their flow and the way the Hornets move spread the ball around on the court. Mason Plumlee is also out and that is a major presence in the paint missing here. I think with the players playing in this game, the Mavericks have a much better lineup and will be able to put up the points needed to win here and hold off the Hornets from scoring a lot. I like the Mavericks to cover the spread in this game.

T.M. Prediction: 104-96 Mavericks.