Charlotte Hornets Small Underdog (+1 to +3) Betting Trend

The Hornets' success as small underdogs stems from their natural playing style aligning perfectly with close-game scenarios. Charlotte has historically been built around athletic, fast-break oriented basketball that thrives when games remain competitive. When they're slight underdogs, the pressure is off, allowing their young core to play freely without the weight of expectations that comes with being favored. Charlotte's roster construction over the past decade has consistently featured players who excel in transition and create chaos through pace rather than half-court execution. This style becomes particularly effective against teams that may be looking ahead or taking the game lightly due to Charlotte's underdog status. The Hornets benefit from what amounts to a "trap game" dynamic where opponents expect an easier victory than the spread suggests. The psychological edge of being written off also plays a significant role. Charlotte has often embraced the underdog mentality, with players responding well to external doubt. Their recent strong form in this spot suggests the current roster has bought into this identity. This trend matters most when Charlotte faces teams coming off emotional wins or playing on short rest, where the slight disrespect implied by the small spread can fuel extra motivation.