Nets Getting Disrespected as Home Dogs Against Banged-Up Hornets

Brooklyn catches Charlotte at the perfect time, yet somehow the Hornets waddle into Barclays Center laying 3.5 points on the road. Let's talk about what makes zero sense here.

Charlotte's offense has been anemic away from home — a pathetic 92.67 PPG — and they've dropped four straight while limping into this one without Kon Knueppel, their second-leading scorer from last season at 18.5 per night. Coby White's day-to-day status only muddies their already shallow rotation. That leaves Brandon Miller (23.5 PPG) carrying the entire offensive load against a Nets team that, despite its 1-6 record, boasts legitimate star power.

Michael Porter Jr. and Julius Randle are both averaging north of 20 PPG, giving Brooklyn a two-headed monster Charlotte can't match with Miller flying solo. Sure, the Hornets won the first meeting 110-103 three weeks ago, but circumstances have shifted dramatically. Brooklyn's only missing Egor Demin (10.3 PPG), a manageable loss compared to Charlotte's injury chaos.

Home court is worth 2.5-3 points by itself, yet the Nets are getting 3.5 here? The market's overreacting to Brooklyn's ugly start while ignoring Charlotte's road woes and depleted roster. Take the points with the home team that actually has its firepower intact.

The play: Nets +3.5