Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) vs Charlotte Hornets (13-39)
Game Info: Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at 10:00 pm (crypto.com Arena)
The Line: Betting Odds: Los Angeles Lakers -12 — Over/Under: 226.5
The Charlotte Hornets and LA Lakers meet Wednesday in NBA action at the crypto.com Arena. Here’s a Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Pick.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Preview
The Charlotte Hornets lost to the Nets and Magic, and they play the Nuggets, Trail Blazers, and Kings next. The Charlotte Hornets are averaging 106.3 points on 43 percent shooting and allowing 111.8 points on 46.4 percent shooting. LaMelo Ball is averaging 27.3 points and 5.1 rebounds, while Miles Bridges is averaging 19.5 points and 7.7 rebounds. Mark Williams is the third double-digit scorer and Nick Smith Jr. is grabbing 1.9 rebounds. The Charlotte Hornets are shooting 34.5 percent from beyond the arc and 77.9 percent from the free-throw line. The Charlotte Hornets are allowing 34 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 45.7 rebounds per game.
LA Lakers Betting Preview
The LA Lakers beat the Pacers, split with the Jazz, and they play the Trail Blazers, Nuggets, and Mavericks next. The LA Lakers are averaging 113.3 points on 48.4 percent shooting and allowing 112.5 points on 46.7 percent shooting. LeBron James is averaging 24.3 points and 7.7 rebounds, while Austin Reaves is averaging 19.1 points and 4.5 rebounds. Luka Doncic is the third double-digit scorer and Rui Hachimura is grabbing 5.2 rebounds. The LA Lakers are shooting 36 percent from beyond the arc and 79 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Lakers are allowing 35.4 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 41.9 rebounds per game.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Hornets have lost each of their last 14 night games against Western Conference opponents that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have won each of their last seven games at Crypto.com Arena.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last six games as home favorites on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight night games at Crypto.com Arena following a road loss.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The road team has won four of the last five games between the Hornets and Lakers.
- The Lakers have lost each of their last three games against opponents who are on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Hornets have covered the spread in each of their last four games as underdogs against Western Conference opponents following a loss.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in four of their last five home games on the first leg of a back-to-back after losing as favorites.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Lakers rank 3rd in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (4.2).
- The Lakers rank 3rd in the league for free throws made per game this season (18.3).
- The Hornets rank 30th in the league for Q1 points per game this season (25.6).
- The Hornets rank 30th in the league for true shooting percentage this season (54.0%).
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Injury Report
The LA Lakers will be without Maxi Kleber due to a foot injury. LeBron James practiced yesterday, but he’s questionable with a foot injury.
The Charlotte Hornets will be without Brandon Miller due to a wrist injury.
Charlotte Hornets vs LA Lakers Prediction
It wouldn’t be shocking to see the LA Lakers win in a blowout, as they’re the more talented team and have health on their side for the first time in a while. However, neither the Lakers nor the Hornets have played in a week and there is fear of potential rust. Also, the Lakers are still working in Luka, who isn’t 100 percent and could be on a minutes restriction as he works his way back. Additionally, it’s not ideal seeing LeBron on the injury report. Of course, check for updates before betting. With all of that said, I have to lean toward the Hornets and the boatload of points.