San Antonio at New Orleans

People still can't believe this Hornets team is as good as they are. One of the best teams in the tough West in the regular season, and a 4-1 winner in round one, continues to get little respect with this line on their home court. The Spurs certainly impressed in their opening round win over Phoenix. So now they have believers ("the Spurs just turn it on come playoff time."). But how much of that was a fairly weak Phoenix team that played no defense? When this series goes to San Antonio, it could be a different story. But on the road, the Spurs just weren't that good this season. They were just over .500 and notched 17 losses to playoff teams this year on the road. Meanwhile, New Orleans has gone 15-1 at home their last sixteen games. On the road, San Antonio is 16-27 ATS. At home, the Hornets are 28-16 ATS. In expected close games (line of -3 to +3), the Spurs are just 6-15 ATS this season. As a road dog of up to 3 points, they are 2-10 ATS. We like the Hornets who remain undervalued.