We are getting to the point of the season where the NBA matchups are repeats on the NBA schedule. That is true when the Los Angeles Lakers make a return trip to play the Charlotte Hornets at 7 p.m. E.T. on Monday at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
It is a rematch of a Dec. 23 game in which the Hornets came away 134-130 winners. They covered the NBA odds that had them as 2.5-point underdogs, and the 243 total points easily went over.
This is an important game on the L.A. Lakers schedule as they look to close a five-game holiday road trip with a winning record. The Lakers are 2-2 on this trip with the loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Christmas Day.
The Lakers vs. Hornets odds are slightly different this time around, presumably due to the result the first time around just under two weeks ago. Here is a breakdown of what fans need to know before Monday’s rematch.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets Game Info and Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers Performance Recap and Analysis
It has been a whirlwind season for the Lakers, and they aren’t quite at the halfway point of the season yet. At 15-21, the Lakers are 2.5 games out of the play-in tournament and are tied for the third-worst record in the Western Conference. The team has drastically improved offensively, though it is still among the worst in some NBA team stats.
The Lakers are seventh in scoring at 116.0 points per game and in making 48.2% of field goal attempts. However, they are sixth worst in 3-point percentage at 33.8%, though that number has improved from early season struggles. The Lakers are seventh in free throw percentage at 79.9% and rebounding at 44.9 rebounds per game.
Defensively, they are improving. The Lakers are 27th in allowing 117.7 points per game but have good defensive efficiency. They hold teams to a 47.3% conversion rate from the field, which ranks 16th, and are seventh on the perimeter in limiting teams to 34.8% on 3-point attempts. However, teams grab 45.4 rebounds per game against them.
It is another great season for LeBron James. It is hard to believe the NBA player stats he is putting up at 38 years old. He is averaging 28.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game.
Key Injuries
The Lakers’ injury report continues to carry James, who is probable with an ankle injury, and Anthony Davis, who is out until mid-January with a foot injury. Lonnie Walker IV is probable with a tailbone injury, and Cole Swider is out till mid-January with a foot injury.
Davis will be a big miss as he’s averaging 27.4 points, 12.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, 2.1 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game. Walker is third in scoring at 14.7 points per game and is among the top 3-point shooters at 38.4%.
Betting Trends to Know
The Lakers have not lived up to being popular among NBA expert picks. They are 14-21-1 against the spread and 22-14 on over/unders. They are 7-13 straight up on the road and are 9-16-1 as underdogs against the spread. That includes a 6-0 record when underdogs of 1 to 2.5 points, though.
Charlotte Hornets Performance Recap and Analysis
The Hornets have not been particularly great in any facet of the game. They are having a rather forgettable season at 10-27 and the second-worst record in the league.
The Hornets are 25th in scoring at 111.3 points per game and among the worst in efficiency. They are second last in converting 44.5% of field goal attempts and dead last in a 3-point conversion rate at 32.2%. They are 25th in making 74.7% of free throws.
Defensively, the Hornets are third worst in allowing 118.0 points per game. They are 24th in allowing teams to convert 48.1% of field goal attempts and 15th in allowing teams to make 35.9% of 3-point attempts.
They are, however, fifth in rebounding at 45.7 per game but second last in allowing 46.1 rebounds per game.
LaMelo Ball is having a fine season, averaging 23.7 points, 7.9 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game. Offball guard Terry Rozier is averaging 19.8 points, 5.4 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game as a nice complementary piece.
Key Injuries
Kelly Oubre Jr. is out Monday with a hand injury. He joins two players – Dennis Smith Jr. (ankle) and Cody Martin (knee) – who will miss the game. Smith and Martin are out until at least mid-January.
Oubre will be missed as the second-leading scorer at 20.2 points per game to go with 5.1 rebounds per game.
Betting Trends to Know
It hasn’t been a profitable season for those who bet exclusively on the Hornets this season. Charlotte is 16-18-3 against the spread and 18-18-1 on over/unders this season. The home crowd has walked away disappointed more often than not, as the Hornets are 5-12 at home straight up.
The Hornets have not been favored much this season. They are 4-5 as favorites, including a 3-4 record when favored by 1 to 2.5 points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets Odds
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Picks
Here is how we see the Lakers vs. Hornets odds.
- Moneyline: Both teams are missing key players, but the key will be who can generate the most stops. We’ll take Lakers -105.
- Over/Under: Stops are the key because neither team does a great job of getting stops. There are a lot of points to get to 242, but these two teams are made to hit the over.
- Spread: If we are taking the Lakers on the moneyline, we have to also take them to cover the 1.5 points they are getting.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets Score Prediction
For those who like points and scoring, this is going to be a comically good game. Of course, there are injuries that hurt the depth, and there is always the chance that neither team can hit a shot, but don’t expect any semblance of defense.
NBA Pick
- Lakers 127
- Hornets 118
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