Washington Wizards (moneyline)

Charlotte arrive in Washington with a stretched squad. Coby White is out with a calf strain, Grant Williams is sidelined by a hamstring problem, and Dennis Schroder is questionable with a foot issue, which could leave the Hornets desperately short of backcourt options. Washington's own absentees, Champagnie, Vukcevic and the long-term Watkins, hurt far less.

The risk is that Tre Johnson is questionable with Achilles soreness and this is an early-season meeting of two inconsistent sides, so the tight line is understandable. Even so, with home court and the cleaner bill of health, I make Washington the rightful favourite. The bet: Washington Wizards to win.