Cavaliers vs Hornets Free Pick, NBA Free Pick & Predictions 1/21/25

J.A. Cavalier
Jan 21
2 min read

NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS

Cavaliers vs Hornets Free Pick

Tonight’s matchup at the Spectrum Center brings an Eastern Conference showdown between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charlotte Hornets, with both teams entering in need of a positive result for very different reasons. Cleveland arrives as a modest road favorite, looking to steady the ship after a lopsided loss to Oklahoma City, while Charlotte is trying to halt a four-game home losing streak that has stalled any recent momentum.

From an analytical standpoint, this game profiles as one where offensive tendencies could outweigh defensive resistance. Cleveland thrives in structured halfcourt sets, using efficiency and ball movement to generate quality looks. Charlotte, on the other hand, leans heavily on volume, ranking among the league’s most aggressive perimeter shooting teams. That contrast in styles sets the stage for a fast-moving, high-scoring contest.

If Cleveland can reassert its offensive discipline and Charlotte continues to let shots fly from deep, the scoreboard should stay busy throughout the night. With both teams motivated to reset their recent form, this matchup shapes up as one where pace and shot volume drive the narrative from the opening tip.

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FREE PICK Over 234

The Cavs come in as modest road favorites, trying to steady the ship after that 136-104 spanking from OKC, and honestly, Cleveland’s offense has looked like the wild cousin you only invite over when you want chaos and threes — they rank near the top offensively with roughly a 119.6 Offensive Rating, while Charlotte isn’t just some dumpster fire; they’re hanging around a 116.4 Offensive Rating too, and both teams play at a pace that’ll make your eyes bleed on the scoreboard. Charlotte’s guns-blazing from deep and the Cavs’ iffy perimeter D? That’s a cocktail for scoring — these guys practically hug the three-point line and aim to outscore before somebody figures out defense. Cleveland’s D has been about as reliable as a toupee in a hurricane — ranking down in the teens — and Charlotte’s not shy about chucking it from everywhere. So from a professional sharp perspective, you’re not fading offense here — you’re betting on both squads ignoring defense like it’s their annoying ex at the grocery store. Expect these two to trade bombs, pace to stay brisk, and the total to absolutely laugh at 234 — because if both teams hit their offensive scripts tonight, the only thing tighter than Cleveland’s wearing of that underdog tag will be Charlotte’s hopes of ending that home skid.