3* NBA *BEST BET*

Charlotte vs. Cleveland, 01/03/2012 19:00 EDT, Score: 101 - 115

Point Spread: +4½/-110 Charlotte

Sportsbook: BookMaker

Result: Loss

3* NBA *BEST BET* on Bobcats +4.5
Motivated by 3 straight defeats, including back-to-back blowout losses in which they failed to beat the spread, expect the Bobcats to give the Cavs all they want and more tonight.

Cleveland is 2-2 but has played Toronto, Detroit, Indiana and New Jersey and has earned its wins against the Pistons and Nets. None of these teams are considered among the league's elite. The Bobcats, meanwhile, have played Miami twice and Orlando in their last 3 games. They played Miami to a 1-point game last Wednesday, showing they are capable of playing with arguably the best team in the NBA.

Charlotte is 14-4 ATS after failing to cover the spread in 2 or more consecutive games over the last 2 seasons. The Bobcats are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games as an underdog and 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog of 4.5 points or less. The Cavaliers are 7-20 ATS in their last 27 games as a favorite, 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games as a home favorite and 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite of 4.5 or fewer points. Also, the underdog is 6-1 ATS in the last 7 meetings between these teams. Take the points.