Hornets vs Timberwolves Prediction, Picks Tonight

Here's everything you need to know about Hornets vs. Timberwolves on Monday, Jan. 22 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.

The Hornets' backslide continues as Charlotte is coming off of yet another loss — this time to the Philadelphia 76ers at home. Heading back on the road, can the Hornets find a way past the best defense in the NBA?

Let's get to our Hornets vs. Timberwolves prediction and pick.

The problems with the Hornets are tenfold — but you likely knew that already. They're in the league's bottom five in efficiency on both ends of the floor, and are now not only without Gordon Hayward, but also starter Nick Richards in the frontcourt. Richards' status for this game is very much in question, as is that of LaMelo Ball — who just returned from injury only to be shelved once again with ankle soreness.

Without both of these guys, it's hard to see Charlotte finding a way on the road. Its offensive production has gotten worse over the past 10 games, mustering up just 104 points per 100 possessions. To make matters worse, the Hornets will be up against the top defense in the league, one that has excelled at defending the rim.

Charlotte loves to score inside, but if Richards winds up missing this game — along with Ball — I'm not quite sure how the Hornets will find any offensive success. However, the good news is that the Hornets' defense has improved marginally over the past 10 games.

It seems as if there's no slowing down the Timberwolves at home — even with a disappointing loss the other night to the Oklahoma City Thunder. That was only the third game they've dropped in Minnesota, and it came off the back of a five-game winning streak.

The Timberwolves possess the best defense in the NBA, but — like most elite defensive groups — have lacked firepower on offense. Things could certainly turn against a lackluster Hornets defense, though it's worth noting that Minnesota's strength is inside the 3-point arc. Charlotte doesn't do a great job defending the outside shot, but Minnesota, despite being lethal from deep, doesn't shoot a lot of 3s.

Minnesota is a decent 21-19-2 against the spread this season and 11-7-2 ATS at home. So, this certainly looks like another good spot to bet the Timberwolves, who are 7-4 ATS after a loss.

The must-have app for NBA bettors

The best NBA betting scoreboard

Free picks from proven pros

Live win probabilities for your bets

DOWNLOAD NOW

For me, this game is going to depend a lot on the status of Ball and Richards. Should they both suit up, I think the Hornets have enough defensively to keep the Timberwolves at bay for long enough to cover this big number. Without them, however, this one has the potential to get ugly.

You may want to split your bet before word comes in on these injuries, but at the moment, I'd actually lean toward taking the points with one of the worst teams in basketball.

Pick: Hornets +13.5 (-110)