Charlotte Hornets Large Underdog (+7.5+) Betting Trend

The Hornets' success as large underdogs stems from their organizational DNA as a scrappy, young franchise that consistently punches above its weight when expectations are lowest. Charlotte's roster construction typically features athletic wings and guards who thrive in transition, making them dangerous against favored opponents who might ease off defensively or play at a slower pace expecting an easy victory. When facing spreads of 7.5 points or more, the Hornets benefit from reduced pressure and the freedom to play their natural up-tempo style without the burden of protecting leads. Their young core historically responds well to the underdog mentality, often displaying improved effort and focus when written off completely. The franchise's perpetual rebuilding mode means they're constantly integrating developing players who have everything to prove against established teams. Charlotte's coaching staff has shown a knack for simplified game plans in these spots, focusing on forcing turnovers and pushing pace rather than executing complex half-court sets. This approach creates variance that works in their favor when the betting market assumes they'll be overwhelmed. This trend carries the most weight in nationally televised games or matchups against playoff contenders, where the Hornets' young players are motivated to showcase their talents on bigger stages.