AAA's 5-GM PRO HOOPS PASS *388-315 +$46,278 NBA RUN!*
(NBA) Charlotte vs. Golden State,
Point Spread: 9.50 | -107.00 Charlotte (Away)
Result: Loss
This is an 8* play on the Charlotte Hornets.

While we are primarily a situationally based handicapping service, we don't prescribe to any one single methodology, but instead feel that being flexible with ones approach is the best way to secure profits over the longterm. Sometimes we keep it simple, while other times we'll take into account a bunch of different factors, like motivation, scheduling and significant injuries. The actual contestants on the field of play rarely enter into our equation when making selections, unless it's a Top 3 player like a LeBron James or Aaron Rodgers etc. One set of criteria which we almost always use when making our decisions, are Against The Spread (ATS) statistics. Sometimes these stats can be overrated and other times they help foreshadow the outcome of a contest.

This particular play is based on a few different factors:

Stephen Curry: Is injured, he'll be a game time decision, but if he does play, he won't be at 100% and we don't expect him to play a pivotal role in the outcome of this one. Curry returned from a two-game absence on Saturday, but left after playing 14 minutes when he injured his leg again in a 111-108 OT win over Denver.

Motivation for the Hornets: Charlotte will be desperate here, and despite having to deal with some key injuries, we think the passion and focus in which the team plays with today will be the difference, the Hornets are looking to avoid their first four-game losing streak of the season, while trying to start a four-game road trip off on the "right foot." "Obviously we're missing some guys but our energy level is good but it's just our defense and our rebounding," Hornets coach Steve Clifford said. "When we start to get our defense going again, then we'll win again."

Look ahead spot: While it's only the lowly Lakers, it's still not too hard to imagine the Warriors looking ahead to their game vs. Kobe Bryant and the much improve Lake-Show on Tuesday.

Strong and relevant ATS statistics: Charlotte is 5-1 ATS this year after a loss by ten points or more and 2-0 ATS after playing to three or more consecutive SU losses, while Golden State is just 5-6 ATS in non-conference game this year.

The bottom line: A plethora of different factors do all indeed point to the points as the savvy move in this contest, grab as many as you can with CHARLOTTE tonight.

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