2009 Western Conference NBA Playoffs Odds: Nuggets vs. Hornets

The Denver Nuggets, eliminated in the first round five straight seasons, finally have home-court advantage after tying their franchise record for most wins since joining the NBA. (Wikimedia Images)"]

They get a New Orleans Hornets team that struggled down the stretch, losing six of eight and missing a chance to move up to No. 6.

They split the season series 2-2, with each team winning once on the road, but the teams were rarely at full strength when they met. The Nuggets were missing Carmelo Anthony for one of their losses, while the Hornets never had Tyson Chandler and were also without Peja Stojakovic in one of the losses.

Without Peja, the Hornets were robbed of their only real reliable 3-point threat. He averaged 20.7 points against Denver, and with that kind of production the Hornets stand a much better chance of upsetting the Nuggets. Get your NBA bets in the Bodog Sportsbook and make the game more exciting!