2010 Super Bowl odds are the big story in New Orleans right now with the Saints, but the Hornets have improved since the beginning of the year and could be ready to take over the city when NFL betting season is over. However, they’ll have their hands full when they take on Denver on the road on Saturday night.
Hornets vs Nuggets betting – Saturday, January 23, 9:00 PM ET
The Hornets will kick off a stretch to end January where they play five road games in six outings in Minnesota on Friday, but prior to the meeting with the Grizzlies, New Orleans had a very good 8-3 record in January after a slow start to the season. David West is starting to get on a roll, averaging 19.8 points in his last five games prior to Friday. Defense is essential to the Hornets’ sportsbook odds, as they’re 6-12 when the opponents score 100 points or more.
The Nuggets have dropped 100 points or more in their last six games, which, not coincidentally, has resulted in a six-game winning streak. Carmelo Anthony has averaged 27.8 points over his five games, but it’s a healthy Chauncey Billups that has Denver rolling. Billups has averaged 24.0 points in his last five games and he’s been hot since returning from a groin injury. We saw how Billups changed the Nuggets last year, and they’re a different team with him in the lineup.
US sportsbook odds (US sportsbook reviews) should favor Denver at home, where they are a brilliant 19-3. The Hornets have dropped their last four trips to Denver, and combined with the high altitude in Colorado and a 3-5 record in the second half of back-to-back games this season, it doesn’t look good for the Hornets. The matchup between Billups and New Orleans’ Chris Paul at the point position will be fun to watch, but the outside of Paul and West, there isn’t very much offense, and the Nuggets have plenty of weapons to run up and down the floor. Also, look for a big game from the Nuggets’ big-man trio of Nene, Kenyon Martin and Chris “Birdman” Andersen. These guys are an underrated part of Denver’s success.
Bet on sports: Denver
