Charlotte Hornets vs
Los Angeles LakersPredictions & Preview

Lakers Favored to Extend Winning Streak Against Hornets in Thursday Night Showdown at Crypto.com Arena

The Charlotte Hornets will begin a five-game road trip on Thursday, January 9, 2025, as they face off against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, with tip-off set for 10:30 PM ET. This will be the first meeting between the two teams in the 2024-25 season, with the Lakers looking to secure their fourth consecutive victory over the Hornets. Los Angeles is currently favored to win by 8.5 points, and the line has remained unchanged. Stay tuned to see if the Purple-and-Gold can continue their winning streak against Charlotte in this upcoming matchup.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hornets +285 | Lakers -360
• Spread: Hornets +8.5 (-110) | Lakers -8.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 220.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Los Angeles will win straight-up is 78%.

Charlotte vs Los Angeles Stats

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled significantly in recent months, winning only two of their last 20 games. Despite a recent victory over the Phoenix Suns, where they had an impressive performance with a limited field goal percentage, the team faces challenges in offensive efficiency and defensive capabilities. With a power ranking of 23, the Hornets rank poorly in offensive statistics, including field goal and 3-point percentages, while also struggling defensively. Overall, the team has a record of 8-27 this season and continues to face difficulties in various areas of their gameplay.

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

The Los Angeles Lakers recently completed a challenging two-game road trip in Texas, where they faced the Houston Rockets and the Dallas Mavericks. Despite coming off consecutive wins against the Portland Trail Blazers and the Atlanta Hawks, the Lakers fell short in both games on the road. Against the Mavericks, who were without key players Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, the Lakers struggled with rebounding and three-point shooting. Despite a strong performance from Anthony Davis, the Lakers were unable to secure the victory. The team currently ranks 11th in adjusted offensive efficiency and 22nd in adjusted defensive efficiency in the league. Additionally, their shooting percentages from inside the arc and beyond the three-point line are decent, but there is room for improvement. The Lakers have a power ranking of 25 and rank 14th in offense and 19th in defense. Overall, the team has a record of 20-16 and faces challenges against teams like Charlotte. For expert analysis and assistance with pro basketball, consider consulting with the Best NBA Handicappers.

Lakers Expected to Dominate Hornets with Strong 3-Point Shooting and ATS Record

The Charlotte Hornets have a 3-point shooting percentage of 34.1%, indicating a reliance on long-range shots despite facing average 3-point defense from the Los Angeles Lakers. The Hornets struggle to draw fouls and have exhibited weak interior defense, which could be exploited by the Lakers’ offensive strategy, particularly through Anthony Davis’ presence in the paint. Based on recent performance trends, the Lakers have shown strong performance in covering the spread, boasting an 8-3 ATS record in their last 11 games. Conversely, the Hornets have struggled in recent matchups against the Lakers, with a 2-9 ATS record in their last 11 meetings. Considering these factors, it is anticipated that the Lakers will dominate the game and likely cover the spread against the Hornets.

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