Wizards Shock Hornets: Top NBA Holiday Bets

NBA Betting Breakdown: Wizards to Shock the Hornets and More Holiday Hoops Picks

It’s the most wonderful time of the year — unless you’re betting against teams with nothing to lose and everything to prove. As we creep closer to Christmas Day, the NBA is heating up like a Yule log on fire. From injury-riddled rosters to revenge games and potential upsets, there’s plenty of betting value to unwrap. Let’s dig into today’s biggest NBA storylines with a betting twist, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a miracle cover or two.

Wizards vs. Hornets: Rested Wizards Could Steal the Sleigh

The Charlotte Hornets are favored by 5.5 points over the Washington Wizards, but this line has “holiday trap” written all over it. The Hornets are on the second night of a back-to-back, and while they've been decent in that spot this season, they often fumble when favored. Meanwhile, the Wizards are well-rested and already beat the Hornets earlier this season.

LaMelo Ball is expected to return, but there’s a catch — he’s likely on a minutes restriction. That dampens the Hornets’ offensive ceiling and may not be enough to offset their defensive issues. Charlotte’s defense is as leaky as a snow globe with a hole in the bottom, which should give Washington’s scorers some extra holiday cheer.

The total is set at 232.5, and with neither team particularly interested in playing defense, the over looks juicy. But the real value is on the Wizards to cover — and potentially win outright. Sprinkle some candy cane dust on the Wizards +5.5 and keep an eye on the moneyline if you’re feeling bold.

Warriors Looking for Redemption Against the Magic

Golden State is laying 11.5 points on the road against an Orlando Magic team that beat them just last night. That’s right — the Magic pulled a fast one on the Warriors, but don’t expect history to repeat itself. The Magic’s injury report is longer than Santa’s naughty list, with nearly every key contributor listed as questionable or out.

Golden State is missing some depth with James Wiseman, Moses Moody, and Jonathan Kuminga all out, and Gary Payton II is questionable. Still, the Warriors have the firepower and the motivation to bounce back. After being humbled by a shorthanded Magic squad, expect them to come out swinging like it’s Festivus and they’re airing grievances.

Back the Warriors -11.5. It’s a big number, yes, but one the Dubs can cover if Orlando is forced to throw out a G League-level lineup. With Steph Curry in revenge mode and a bench full of players trying to prove they belong, this could get ugly early.

Pacers Eyeing a Giannis-less Bucks Upset

The Milwaukee Bucks are only 1.5-point favorites on the road against the Indiana Pacers. That’s largely because Giannis Antetokounmpo is out, and without him, the Bucks are just not the same team. Indiana, on the other hand, is hungry for revenge and has the tools to push the pace and expose Milwaukee’s holes.

Players like Bobby Portis will need to pick up the slack for the Bucks, and guys like Chris Duarte could have big games for Indiana. The total is set at 218.5, and with both sides lacking defensive intensity, the over is in play here too.

This feels like a “circle it on the calendar” game for the Pacers. Expect them to come out with energy and take advantage of a Bucks team missing its MVP anchor. Indiana +1.5 is a solid pick, and a moneyline play wouldn’t be crazy either.

More Picks from Around the League

Heat vs. Raptors: Miami is favored by 5.5 at home, but they’ve been inconsistent lately. Toronto already beat them once in Miami and could do it again. The Raptors’ frontcourt, especially with Jakob Poeltl, can do some damage down low. If Toronto can hold their own on the boards, they could cover here. Consider Raptors +5.5 and the over on the 218.5 total thanks to Toronto’s suspect rim protection.

Pelicans vs. Cavaliers: The Pelicans are playing inspired basketball and Zion Williamson is finally looking like Zion again. The Cavs, despite their record, have been underwhelming. Take the Pelicans +6.5 and don’t look back — this team is on a mission to climb out of the early-season hole they dug.

Bulls vs. Hawks: This one’s a coin flip. The Bulls are trying to claw their way back to .500 while the Hawks are floundering even with Trae Young back. The narrative favors Atlanta, but the recent form leans Chicago. Best play might be a live bet once this game starts to sort itself out.

Thunder vs. Spurs: This game has some sneaky spice. Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama may be brewing a baby rivalry, and if both play, expect fireworks. OKC has been elite all season, but the Spurs already beat them once. If Wemby suits up, lean Spurs +3.5. If not, Thunder should cruise.

Takeaways

• Wizards +5.5 feels like a holiday gift against a tired and inconsistent Hornets team.
• Warriors -11.5 should cash if they show up focused and the Magic’s injury woes continue.
• Pacers +1.5 is a value play with Giannis sidelined. The revenge angle makes it even sweeter.
• Pelicans +6.5 is worth a look as they continue to surge with Zion heating up.
• Over 232.5 in Hornets-Wizards and Over 218.5 in Bucks-Pacers are both strong totals plays.

Whether you’re betting big or just enjoying the chaos, this NBA slate is loaded with angles, edges, and opportunities. Grab your eggnog and your sportsbook app — it's going to be a wild night on the hardwood.