3* NBA SMASH

Denver vs. New Orleans, 01/06/2012 20:00 EDT, Score: 96 - 88

Point Spread: +5½/-105 New Orleans

Sportsbook: 5Dimes

Result: Loss

3* NBA SMASH on Hornets +4.5
Prior to winning 3 in a row at home, the Nuggets dropped back-to-back games on the road. They aren't the same team away from home, and that simple fact gives the Hornets a good opportunity to get the "W" tonight.

New Orleans will be lacking no motivation following 4 straight defeats. It is one of the best defensive teams in the NBA, ranking 4th with 91.0 ppg allowed, and I believe it will really tighten the screws in hopes of ending its skid.

While laying the points with Denver at home has been lucrative, it has not been wise to lay the number with the Nuggets on the road, especially a small number. The Nuggets are just 5-15 ATS in their last 20 games as a road favorite of 4.5 points or less (Note: line at -4.5 at time of report).

The Nuggets are just 2-5 ATS in the last 7 meetings in this series, and the underdog is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 matchups. Take the points.