Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The Charlotte Hornets are set to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday as part of their ongoing road trip. The game will take place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California, with the tip-off scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Current Overview
This matchup marks the second encounter between the Hornets and the Lakers this season. The Lakers currently lead the season series 1-0, having defeated the Hornets 121-111 earlier in November.
Team Records and Recent Performances
- Charlotte Hornets: 14 wins, 26 losses
- Los Angeles Lakers: 24 wins, 14 losses
The Hornets have struggled recently, posting a 3-6 record in their last nine games, including three losses in their last four outings. They secured a split on their road trip, recently falling to the LA Clippers 117-109.
LaMelo Ball played a significant role in the Hornets’ efforts, collecting 25 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. The Lakers, meanwhile, ended a three-game losing streak with a commanding win against the Atlanta Hawks, beating them 141-116. LeBron James almost achieved a triple-double, scoring 31 points, with 10 assists and 9 rebounds.
Game Odds and Betting Lines
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the latest odds for the matchup are as follows:
- Moneyline (ML): Hornets +150, Lakers -185
- Against the spread (ATS): Hornets +4.5, Lakers -4.5
- Over/Under (O/U): 233.5
Key Injury Updates
Injury status is crucial for both teams. The Hornets have several players listed:
- Moussa Diabate (hip) – questionable
- Mason Plumlee (groin) – out
- Collin Sexton (hamstring) – questionable
The Lakers are also contending with injuries:
- Jaxson Hayes (hamstring) – questionable
- Austin Reaves (calf) – out
- Adou Thiero (knee) – out
Predictions and Betting Strategies
Experts predict a close game, favoring the Lakers to win by a score of 119-111. The Hornets, with a record of 7 wins and 14 losses on the road, have struggled to maintain consistency. Conversely, the Lakers have historically been stronger at home, with a record of 11-7.
Recent trends suggest that the Lakers are likely to cover the spread. They have achieved 21-3 against the spread in games they have won this season. Many of their victories have been by more than 5 points.
Considering recent scoring trends, betting on the under may also be sensible, as five of the Hornets’ last six matches have not exceeded 234 points. Therefore, the suggested bets are:
- Bet Lakers -4.5 (+100)
- Bet Under 233.5 (-110)
Stay tuned for updates as the game approaches. For more information on sports betting, visit El-Balad.
