Mavericks vs. Hornets NBA expert prediction and odds for Tuesday, April 9 (Trend says bet Dallas)

The Dallas Mavericks have been on fire, winning three straight games and nine of their last 10 to build a two-game lead on the No. 6 seed and keep themselves in play for the No. 5 seed in the Western Conference this season.

Dallas has a very winnable matchup against the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday night, who come into this game with the third-worst record in the NBA. 

Charlotte actually has more to play for if it loses, as it would hold the No. 3 spot in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery, which would give it the best odds (14.0 percent) at the No. 1 pick. 

Can Dallas – a major road favorite – cruise to an easy win?

Here’s a look at the latest odds and my best bet for Tuesday’s contest: 

Mavericks vs. Hornets odds, spread and total

Mavericks vs. Hornets how to watch

• Date: Tuesday, April 9
• Time: 7:00 p.m. EST
• Venue: Spectrum Center
• How to watch (TV): Bally Sports
• Mavs record: 48-30
• Hornets record: 19-59

Mavericks vs. Hornets injury reports

Mavs injury report

• Greg Brown III – out
• Josh Green – doubtful
• Maxi Kleber – questionable
• Dereck Lively II – out

Hornets injury report

• Amari Bailey – questionable
• LaMelo Ball – out
• Seth Curry – out
• Cody Martin – out
• Mark Williams – out

Mavericks vs. Hornets key players to watch

Dallas Mavericks

Kyrie Irving: Irving went off in Dallas’ overtime win over the Houston Rockets, scoring 48 points on 15-of-25 shooting. The star guard has been insanely consistent as of late, scoring 23 or more points in 12 of his last 13 games. Dallas is 37-19 when Irving suits up this season. 

Charlotte Hornets

Brandon Miller: Rookie Brandon Miller has been a lone bright spot for Charlotte this season, averaging 17.2 points per game while shooting 43.9 percent from the field and 37.0 percent from 3-point range. Miller has put up six games with 20 or more points in his last 10 outings. 

Mavericks vs. Hornets prediction and pick

I really can’t pass up a chance to bet on one of the best trends in the NBA this season, especially since the Mavericks have a ton to play for in this game.

Dallas could still get the No. 4 seed in the Western Conference, and the team has an easy win against Charlotte waiting in front of it.

The Hornets have struggled at home this season, going 11-29 straight up, but they are 19-16 against the spread as home dogs. Still, that doesn’t hold a candle to Dallas as a road favorite, where it is 17-4 against the spread – the best mark in the NBA.

As long as the Mavericks don’t look to rest players in this game, they should roll. 

Pick: Mavericks -12.5 (-110)

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

Find Peter Dewey's NBA betting record here (futures included). You can also follow my daily plays on BetStamp here.