Charlotte Hornets vs
Los Angeles LakersPredictions & Preview

Hornets vs Lakers Game Rescheduled Following Wildfires, Lakers Favored by Betting Line

The Charlotte Hornets will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers in their first game after the All-Star break on Wednesday at 10pmET at Crypto.com Arena. This game was rescheduled from Jan. 9 due to wildfires in the Los Angeles area. The Lakers won their previous matchup on Jan. 27 with a 112-107 victory. The current betting line favors the Lakers at -12.5. Stay tuned for more details on this Hornets vs. Lakers prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Hornets +500 | Lakers -700
• Spread: Hornets +12.5 (-110) | Lakers -12.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 227.25 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Los Angeles will win straight-up is 88%.

Charlotte vs Los Angeles Stats

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets have struggled this season, winning just 13 games. The team has been plagued by injuries, with key players like LaMelo Ball and Braxton Miller sidelined. Ball is expected to return to the court soon after missing several games due to an ankle injury. Despite leading the team in points and assists, Ball's shooting percentages have been subpar. Offensively, the Hornets have been lacking, scoring an average of 106.3 points per game and shooting poorly from the field and three-point range. Defensively, they rank second in the league in opponent field goal percentage. With a power ranking of 19, the Hornets are ranked 28th in offense and 9th in defense. Their overall record is 13-39 for the season. Offensively, they struggle with low shooting percentages and turnovers, while defensively they fare better in opponent three-point shooting. Overall, the Hornets have room for improvement in both their offensive and defensive performances.

Los Angeles Lakers Analysis

The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference, 1.5 games behind Houston for fourth place and two games ahead of the Clippers in sixth place. They recently suffered a surprising loss to Utah after a six-game winning streak was snapped. Luka Doncic, acquired in a trade two weeks ago, has played in two games for the Lakers, averaging 15 points and 4.5 rebounds. However, he may be limited due to a calf injury. The team is still adjusting to Doncic's presence, especially alongside LeBron James, who is questionable for the next game due to a foot injury. The Lakers have a power ranking of 11 and rank 14th in offense and 13th in defense. Their shooting percentages and rebounding statistics are in the middle of the pack for the NBA. Their current record is 32-20.

Ball's Return and Defensive Skills Make Lakers Game a Must-Watch

Ball's performance in the first meeting was limited to nine minutes, during which he scored seven points. His presence in the upcoming game will undoubtedly provide a significant advantage, particularly in terms of defensive coverage. Bridges, another key player known for his scoring prowess and defensive skills, will play a crucial role in defending against Doncic and James, both of whom are recovering from lower-body injuries. Additionally, the Lakers are still adjusting to having Doncic on the court and are likely to limit his playing time to around 25 minutes due to his recent injury history. With uncertainties surrounding their playing time, it is advisable to consider taking the points for this game.

Sources: [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]