Sat Mar 01 21:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Wizards Look to Sweep Hornets Despite Injuries, Favored to Cover Spread

**Washington, D.C. –** The Washington Wizards, despite a depleted roster, are poised to continue their dominance over the Charlotte Hornets, aiming for a season sweep in Saturday’s matchup. Despite being the NBA’s worst team and facing a 4-point spread against the Hornets, experts predict a close game, favoring the Wizards to cover.

The Wizards enter the game with key injuries to Jordan Poole (elbow), Saddiq Bey (knee), and Malcolm Brogdon (ankle), with rookie Alex Sarr (ankle) questionable. Their recent performance has been lackluster, with only one win in their last eight games, averaging a dismal 108.3 points per game and shooting poorly from both the field and beyond the arc.

The Hornets, returning from a grueling nine-game road trip with only one win, are also struggling offensively, averaging just 95.1 points per game during that stretch. Their recent losses have been particularly devastating, including blowouts against the Trail Blazers, Kings, and Warriors. Despite their struggles, the Hornets are favored due to the Wizards’ injuries.

However, analysts believe the Wizards’ recent acquisitions, Khris Middleton and Marcus Smart, will provide enough firepower to overcome the Hornets’ woes, particularly given Charlotte’s recent poor performance against Washington (1-7 against the spread in their last eight meetings). The extra day of rest for the Wizards is also considered a factor.

The betting pick focuses on the Wizards covering the 4-point spread, along with over/under predictions for Khris Middleton’s points and LaMelo Ball’s assists. While Middleton has struggled recently, his past performance against the Hornets suggests a potential scoring resurgence. Similarly, LaMelo Ball’s assist numbers are anticipated to rise based on his previous games against Washington.

The game presents a unique opportunity for the Wizards to gain a rare victory, while simultaneously maintaining their position as the likely recipient of the top pick in the upcoming NBA draft. Despite their struggles, the Wizards are seen as a strong bet to at least cover the point spread against a similarly struggling Hornets team.

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