Tag: Lakers Hornets odds picks prediction spread over/under betting line

The Los Angeles Lakers (24-25) play their second game in consecutive nights when they visit the Charlotte Hornets (27-22) Friday. Tip-off at Spectrum Center is set for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Lakers vs. Hornets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.

A LeBron James-less L.A. (+6) got clubbed 105-87 by the 76ers Thursday. Lakers PF Anthony Davis balled out in his second game back from injury, scoring 31 points on 66.7% shooting with 12 boards. L.A. is 20-29 against the spread (ATS) and 26-22-1 Over/Under (O/U).

The Hornets (-2) obliterated the Pacers in Indiana 158-126 Wednesday, snapping a two-game losing skid. Since Jan. 17, Charlotte is 4-2 straight-up (SU) and 4-2 ATS.

The Lakers (-2.5) beat the Hornets 126-123 in overtime in their first meeting this season (Nov. 8) for L.A.’s sixth straight victory and cover versus Charlotte. However, James missed the first Lakers-Hornets meeting while Davis was active and played great.

Also see: Bet Slippin’ Podcast: NBA January 28 breakdown

Lakers at Hornets odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:04 p.m. ET.

• Money line: Lakers +280 (bet $100 to win $280) | Hornets -370 (bet $370 to win $100)
• Against the spread (ATS): Lakers +7.5 (-108) | Hornets -7.5 (-112)
• Over/Under (O/U): 227.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Lakers at Hornets key injuries

Lakers

• PF Anthony Davis (wrist) questionable
• SF LeBron James (knee) questionable
• SG Malik Monk (groin) out
• PG Russell Westbrook (knee) questionable

Hornets

• SF Gordon Hayward (health and safety protocols) out
• SF Kelly Oubre Jr. (ankle) questionable

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Lakers at Hornets odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Hornets 118, Lakers 109

Money line

PASS. Charlotte (-370) is too expensive considering we still don’t know who’s suiting up for the Lakers.

While both LeBron and AD could play or sit out, imagine holding a Hornets -370 ticket they both are available.

Against the spread

BET the HORNETS -7.5 (-112). They are better rested, have edges to exploit and it’s a much better spot for Charlotte.

First of all, LeBron missed L.A.’s previous game and AD has only played two games since returning from injury. I’d guess LeBron sat Thursday so AD can rest Friday and the Lakers will still have an All-NBA-caliber guy on the floor.

But Charlotte is far better suited to defend LeBron compared to AD. The Hornets are deep at wing and have bodies to throw at LeBron.

Plus, Charlotte SF Miles Bridges is in the midst of a breakout season and you know he’s going to get up for this game.

On top of that, the Hornets have much better ball security than the Lakers and Charlotte forces turnovers, which turn into easy points.

L.A. is 20th in offensive-turnover rate (TOV%), according to CleaningTheGlass.com (CTG), and 23rd in points off of turnovers allowed per game. Charlotte is fifth in defensive TOV% (per CTG) and second in points off of turnovers per game.

Both teams like to push the pace and get out in transition, but the Hornets are fourth in offensive efficiency in the fast break, and the Lakers are 24th.

Furthermore, Charlotte is second in offensive-shot quality mostly because the Hornets have the third-highest volume of shots at the rim and third-highest volume of corner 3-pointers.

But L.A. is 27th in defensive-shot quality and 21st in defensive field-goal percentage versus attempts at the rim. The Hornets are fourth in paint points per game (PPG) and the Lakers are 26th in paint PPG allowed.

Over/Under

PASS since my prediction closely aligns with the projected score so there’s not a lot of value in this total for me.

That said, I “lean” to the Under 227.5 (-110) because Charlotte has stepped up its defense over the past two weeks (eight in adjusted defensive rating) and L.A.’s offense has been in a slump over that span (26th in adjusted offensive rating).

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