New Orleans Hornets at Orlando Betting Odds

NBA odds: Howard, Magic host New Orleans on TNT

Orlando (34-17, 25-23-3 ATS) dropped Boston 96-89 on Sunday to give the team eight wins in its past 10 games. Although that's a nice run, the Magic haven't helped bettors playing NBA odds; they're just 5-4-1 against the point spread in their last 10 games. Playing at home doesn't make a difference for Orlando, which is 5-5 in its last 10 games at Amway Arena.

Offensively, the Magic are getting a much-needed boost from Vince Carter. Carter had struggled mightily since returning from injury in mid-January, averaging a paltry 8.7 points per game that month. He's bounced back in February to record 17, 21 and 21 points so far. Center Dwight Howard is enjoying another fine campaign. He's obviously a big help offensively with 17.8 points per game, but he really gets the job done in the defensive end. Howard is averaging 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game this season while leading Orlando's fifth-ranked "D."

New Orleans (27-24, 24-27 ATS) won in Charlotte 104-99 on Saturday to snap a three-game losing streak. The Hornets have struggled to cover just twice in their past six games. Oddly, they've been very productive for NBA betting fans on the road; the Hornets have won four straight ATS and are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games away from home.

Many of the team's troubles can be attributed to the absence of Chris Paul. New Orleans wasn't playing great this year, but it certainly attains underdog status without its best player in the lineup. Paul has missed five straight games and won't return for at least several weeks. In the meantime, New Orleans relied on a mishmash of players to score; four different Hornets have led the team in scoring since Paul went down. Rookie point guard Darren Collison has been surprisingly solid in Paul's place, averaging 16.6 points and 9.8 assists per game. Still, New Orleans ranks very middle-of-the-pack in scoring and points allowed this season.

New Orleans obliterated the Magic 117-85 the last time they met, but that game was a year ago. These teams have split their last 10 games straight up with the Magic taking a slight 6-4 edge against the point spread. If you play the total, history says take the under; eight of the past 10 meetings between Orlando and New Orleans have gone that way. BetED.com has the total set at 193.5.