Lakers vs Hornets Betting Preview: Rusty Lakers Might Not Justify Massive Spread Post-Break

by | Last updated Feb 19, 2025 | nba

Charlotte Hornets (13-39 SU, 27-22 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (32-20 SU, 28-23 ATS)

When: Wednesday, February 19th, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Crypto.com Arena, CA, Los Angeles

TV: SN-LA

Point Spread: Cha +12.5/LAL -12.5

Total: 226

Money Line: Charlotte Hornets +504/-713

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Notable Injuries

Hornets

  • Josh Okogie (Out) Hamstring
  • Grant Williams (Out) Leg
  • LaMelo Ball (Probable) Ankle
  • Tre Mann (Out) Back
  • Mark Williams (Probable) Conditioning
  • Brandon Miller (Out) Wrist

Lakers

  • LeBron James (Questionable) Ankle
  • Maxi Kleber (Out) Foot

At 10:00 ET, the Hornets will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers in a non-conference matchup. Charlotte is currently on a three-game losing streak and sits 14th in the Eastern Conference. The Lakers are favored by 12.5 points and own a 32-20 record.

This game can be seen on SN-LA and will be played at Crypto.com Arena.

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Recent Form

The Hornets dropped to 13-39 on the season after a 102-86 road loss to the Magic on Wednesday. Charlotte entered the game as +12.5 point underdogs and failed to cover the spread, losing by 16 points. The game’s total of 188 points fell short of the 202.5-point line.

Orlando went on an 11-0 run early, stretching their lead from 24-20 to 35-20. Charlotte responded by outscoring the Magic 26-16 in the 2nd quarter, but the Magic took control again in the 3rd, outscoring the Hornets 33-19. Charlotte couldn’t mount a comeback in the 4th, as Orlando edged them 25-21 in the final period.

The Lakers fell to 32-20 on the season after a 131-119 road loss to the Jazz on Wednesday. Los Angeles, which was favored by 9 points, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread. The total points for the game reached 250, surpassing the pre-game O/U line of 236.5 by 13.5 points.

Utah took control with an 11-0 run, stretching the score from 75-69 to 86-69. The Jazz outscored the Lakers 40-30 in the 3rd quarter, and although LA won the 4th quarter 33-27, it was too late to mount a comeback.

The Historicals

Across the previous five head-to-head meetings between the teams, both Charlotte and Los Angeles have an ATS record of 2-2-1. The Lakers hold the edge in average point differential at +7 points per game. Charlotte and Los Angeles averaged a combined 241 points per game in these games, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.

Analysis

In their 102-86 loss to the Magic, the Hornets struggled offensively, shooting just 39.5% from the field and hitting eight threes at a 30.8% clip. Miles Bridges led the team with 19 points despite shooting 26.1% and making only 2 of his eight attempts from deep.

Damion Baugh and Josh Green each contributed 16 points, with Baugh shooting 62.5% and Green hitting 58.3% from the field. Baugh also added 9 points in the 4th quarter.

Defensively, the Hornets had a strong 2nd quarter, holding the Magic to just 16 points, but they struggled in the 3rd, giving up 33 points in their 102-86 loss. Overall, they allowed Orlando to shoot 41% from the field.

From beyond the arc, the Magic hit 14 threes at a 32% clip. The Hornets sent Orlando to the line 19 times, where they made 14 free throws. Charlotte finished with four steals and four blocks.

Rui Hachimura led the Lakers with 19 points in their 131-119 loss to the Jazz, shooting 53.3% from the field and hitting three threes at a 60% rate. LeBron James added 18 points, connecting on four threes at 50%, while Luka Dončić contributed 16 points, making three threes despite shooting just 37.5% from deep.

The Lakers made 20 threes as a team, shooting 40% from beyond the arc, though their overall field goal percentage was 44.6%. Austin Reaves scored 10 of his 15 points in the 3rd quarter, while Hachimura and LeBron each added 5 points in the period.

The Lakers struggled defensively on Wednesday, giving up 131 points to the Jazz. They allowed 33 points in the 1st quarter, 31 in the 2nd, and a big 40-point 3rd quarter. They tightened up in the 4th, giving up 27 points.

Utah shot 52% from the field, including 36% from three with 15 made threes. The Jazz also went to the line 33 times, making 26 free throws. The Lakers gave up 11 offensive rebounds and recorded five steals and three blocks.

Betting Trends

  • In their last five games away from home, the Hornets have a straight-up record of 1-4 while going 2-2-1 vs. the spread. The team averaged 104 points per game in this stretch.
  • Los Angeles has played well in their previous five home games, going 3-2 straight up. In this stretch, they averaged 121 points per game while allowing 110. The team also performed well vs the spread at 3-2.
  • Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Hornets have a straight-up record of 0-3. But, their mark vs. the spread was just 1-2.
  • Through their last five games as the favorite, the Lakers have an ATS record of 3-2 and a straight-up mark of 3-2.

Joe’s Pick To Cover The Spread

The Hornets and Lakers are the first game back from the All-Star Break, and the Lakers are the big favorite. With Luka Doncic on the floor, the Lakers have faced the Jazz twice and went 1-1, including being blown out in their final game before the break. I think LA is still going to be careful with Luka’s minute load, and I expect Charlotte to hang around in this one. I’m taking the Hornets to cover at +12.5.

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