Hornets vs Lakers Picks and Predictions: Christmas Comes Early For LeBron

Another Anthony Davis injury has left the Los Angeles Lakers treading water again, and the defense fell apart in a 134-120 loss to the Kings last time out. They cannot afford a slip-up here against the struggling Charlotte Hornets.

LeBron James & Co. have five more wins than the Hornets, who’ve had a wretched December, losing nine of their 11 games. LaMelo Ball is back, yet Charlotte was blown out by the Clippers on Wednesday despite his triple-double.

Learn more in our NBA picks and predictions as we dig into tonight’s matchup between the Hornets and Lakers.

Hornets vs Lakers best odds

Hornets vs Lakers picks and predictions

In the words of Hornets head coach Steve Clifford, “Until we care about something besides how many points we score, we’re not going to win much.” Clifford slammed his team’s effort after giving up 141 points in an overtime loss to the Pistons on December 14, and things haven’t gotten much better since.

In fact, you have to go back to December 3 for the last time Charlotte held an opponent to fewer than 119 points. Wednesday’s 126-105 loss to the Clippers was the latest setback, as L.A. shot 50% from the field and a blistering 47% from beyond the arc.

In short, this Charlotte defense should be an early holiday gift for LeBron James, who will have his pick of minus defenders to target in the halfcourt. We should be in for a high-scoring battle tonight.

Even without Davis, the Lakers can put up points as long as James is setting the table for his teammates. Dennis Schroder, Lonnie Walker IV, and Thomas Bryant combined for 54 points against the Kings. Schroder had a 30-point night against Phoenix earlier in the week, and the Lakers have shot at least 40% from 3-point range in three straight.

I’m counting on the hosts to put on a (Lake) show here and crack the 120-point mark against a Hornets team that’s still not defending consistently. 

My best bet: Lakers team total Over 118.5 (-130 at bet365)

Hornets vs Lakers spread analysis

While the Hornets are surely turning their attention towards what could be a pick at the top of the 2023 draft, LaMelo Ball’s return after an injury-riddled first third of the season gives the Charlotte offense a puncher's chance of papering over defensive flaws to keep up on the scoreboard. His next-level playmaking is seemingly the biggest reason that the Hornets are only 3.5-point underdogs tonight.

You could certainly make the case for a higher line. Though the Lakers are 12-18-1 against the spread this season, they’ve won six of the last seven matchups against the Hornets, covering the spread in each of those victories. Meanwhile, Charlotte is 1-4 ATS in its last five games playing on one day’s rest.

If you’re laying the points here, you can hang your hat on LeBron bringing his A-game. The King is coming off a 31-point, 11-assist performance in Sacramento and will again be the primary source of offense for Darvin Ham’s men.

Keep in mind, though, that the Lakers are in action on Christmas Day — and that might prompt a slightly reduced minutes load for James and Russell Westbrook, especially if the hosts can build a comfortable fourth-quarter lead.

Hornets vs Lakers Over/Under analysis

Don’t go into this game expecting a lot of defense. As I’ve covered above, the Hornets have been unable to string together enough stops during their miserable December run, and the Over is 4-1 in Charlotte’s last five games following a straight-up loss by more than 10 points. 

That’s not just a byproduct of poor defense — the visitors have plenty of offensive punch. Kelly Oubre Jr. poured in 31 points in Monday’s win in Sacramento, and Ball does a terrific job of finding open shooters.

The Lakers have been trending towards the Over lately too, and their defense has suffered without Davis (four Kings scored 20 or more points on Wednesday night in Sacramento). The Over has hit in the Lakers’ last six games following an ATS loss and in their last five games following a SU loss by more than 10 points.

Westbrook’s expected return after a two-game absence would be a boost for the hosts’ offense, giving them another ball-handling option if James is fighting through double teams.

Hornets vs Lakers betting trend to know

The Over is 5-1 in Charlotte’s last six road games against a team with a winning home record. Find more NBA betting trends for Hornets vs. Lakers.

Hornets vs Lakers game info

Hornets vs Lakers key injuries

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