Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Predictions, Picks and NBA Preview – February 19, 2016

Something’s gotta give. Charlotte and Milwaukee will put their respective winning streaks on the line when they square off in a fascinating Eastern Conference clash at BMO Harris Bradley Center later tonight. Both teams are playing some quality basketball of late so expect a top-notch encounter between the two sides.

Read on below for an in-depth breakdown of this important matchup and while you’re at it, you can check out our previews of Portland vs. Golden State and Indiana vs. Oklahoma City.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Milwaukee Bucks Preview

Where: BMO Harris Bradley Center, Milwaukee

When: Friday, February 19, 8:00 PM ET

Line: Charlotte Hornets (pk) at Milwaukee Bucks (pk); total: 202.0 – view all NBA lines

TV Broadcast: FSWI

Betting on the Charlotte Hornets (27-26)

The Charlotte Hornets extended their winning streak to three games with a resounding 117-95 victory over the Indiana Pacers last Wednesday. Kemba Walker led the way for the Hornets in that contest, scoring 25 points and grabbing seven rebounds. It was an impressive victory for the Hornets who won for the first time at Indiana in almost 7.5 years.

Key to the Hornets’ resurgence has been their excellent play on the defensive end. The Hornets allowed an average of just 94.5 points and 42.1 percent shooting to win five of six before the All-Star break. That impregnable defense was in full display Wednesday against the Pacers where they held Indiana to just 43.5 percent shooting from the field.

Next up for the surging Hornets is a clash with the Milwaukee Bucks. The Hornets have split their two meetings with Milwaukee at home this season, allowing the Bucks to shoot 54.2 percent in a 105-92 loss in their most recent matchup on January 16.

The Hornets are 4-2 ATS in their last six road games.

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Betting on the Milwaukee Bucks (22-32)

The Milwaukee Bucks stretched their unbeaten run to two games with a thrilling 99-92 victory over the Washington Wizards last Wednesday. Four players scored in double-figures for the Bucks who moved to within 5.5 games of the Chicago Bulls for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference.

Looking for a third straight home win tonight, the Bucks will continue to rely on leading scorer Khris Middleton (17.9 ppg). The fourth-year guard, who scored 24 points on 11-of-16 shooting at Charlotte last month, has averaged 21.5 points in his last four outings. Also expected to contribute tonight is the ever-improving Jabari Parker. He has averaged 14.2 points on 52.1 percent shooting in his last six games at home.

For the Bucks to pull off the victory tonight, they will need to put the clamps on Kemba Walker. The Hornets guard has fared extremely well against Milwaukee of late, averaging 24.8 points over a six-game stretch. The Bucks are 19th in the NBA in scoring defense, allowing 102.9 points per game this season.

The Bucks are 5-1 ATS in their last six home games.

Writer’s Prediction

Milwaukee wins, 95-90.