20* NBA Non-Conference GAME OF THE MONTH on New Orleans Hornets +6.5

New York vs. New Orleans, 11/20/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 102 - 80

Point Spread: +6½/-115 New Orleans

Sportsbook: Bovada

Result: Loss

The New Orleans Hornets are showing great value as a big home underdog to the New York Knicks tonight. I'll gladly take advantage and side with the value. I realize that this line is +6 in most places, and I would still recommend a bet at that number as I believe the Hornets have an excellent chance to win this game outright.

New York is way overvalued due to its 7-1 start. Sure, this team is improved, but it should not be laying this big of a number on the road against almost any team in the league. This will be the Knicks' 4th game in 6 days.

The Hornets are one of the most underrated teams in the league in the early going. They made some great improvements this offseason in bringing in Ryan Anderson (16.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG) and Anthony Davis (16.0 PPG, 8.3 RPG, 2.2 BPG).

While they are just 3-5 on the season, three of those losses came by 4 points or less. New Orleans comes in the more rested, more hungry team tonight. It has lost three straight and it comes in on two days' rest.

This play falls into a system that is 23-6 (79.3%) ATS over the last 5 seasons. It tells us to bet on home underdogs (NEW ORLEANS) - after going over the total by more than 30 points in their previous game, in non-conference games.

The Hornets are 7-0 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 2 days rest. New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game. The Hornets are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 home games. These three trends combine for a 24-2 (92%) system backing New Orleans. Bet the Hornets Tuesday.