New Orleans at Cleveland

New Orleans has won four straight and sits atop the Western Conference - a conference loaded with great teams, the likes of which we have not seen in a long time. Yet, they continue to get little respect. In our minds, New Orleans is a Top 10 team while Cleveland is not (see power rankings). This line should be closer to a pick'em in our book and as such we see value on the Hornets. New Orleans has already beaten Cleveland once this season, by a healthy 10 points. Cleveland is known for defense but stats-wise, New Orleans' D is better. And, their ofefense is a LOT better. The Hornets are 42-28 ATS as an underdog the past two seasons and 24-10 ATS on back-to-back days. We like New Orleans and the 2.5 point cushion. We also like the first-half UNDER in a matchup between two very good defenses. The Hornets are off an OVER and they are 24-9 UNDER in the first half in that situation this season. They are 18-8 UNDER in the first half after scoring 105+ last game. Cleveland is 11-3 UNDER in the first half in their last 14 home games. Hornets and the first-half UNDER here.