Hornets vs. Hawks: Odds, Hot Takes and Top Storylines for Play-in Game

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There are two distinct mismatches in play on Wednesday. 

The first is Clint Capela’s size and width edge over Mason Plumlee in the paint. 

The Hawks big man recorded 14 or 15 rebounds in three of his meetings with the Hornets this season. He also earned a pair of double-doubles. 

Capela turned in one of his better performances of the season in the March 16 clash with the Hornets, when he recorded 17 points and 15 rebounds. 

The 27-year-old’s success against Charlotte could lead to some prop bet success, or a roster spot in daily fantasy basketball contest. That could also aid Trae Young’s assist total if the two combine on offensive sets. 

Charlotte can exploit its mismatch against Atlanta’s shooting defense. The Hornets sank 11 three-point shots in their last clash with the Hawks. 

LaMelo Ball drained five three-point shots in that game, and the performance leads you to believe he will go back and forth with Young for most of Wednesday’s clash. 

Terry Rozier, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington all hit multiple three-point shots in that game as well.

Charlotte pounded 17 three-pointers into the basket in its other victory over the Hawks on December 5. Kelly Oubre Jr.’s six three-point makes led that barrage, with Cody Martin, Miles Bridges and Ish Smith combining for nine more shots from beyond the arc. 

The Hornets even made 10 three-point shots in their November 20 loss to the Hawks, but they only hit four in the January 23 defeat. 

Both teams should be expected to take advantage of their respective mismatches from the opening tip. 

Success from Capela down low and a hot set of three-point shooters on the Charlotte roster could aid the over.

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