The Los Angeles Lakers (11-26) look to snap their eight-game losing streak when they take on the Charlotte Hornets (14-23) at Staples Center. The game can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, January 5, 2018.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 216 points with Charlotte opening as a 2.5-point favorite.
Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Hornets will be hoping for a similar outcome after dismantling the Sacramento Kings in their last game, 131-111. Charlotte’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Sacramento. The Hornets had a rate of 3.0 (better than their season average of 11.7), while the Kings posted a mark of 13.6. Charlotte was lifted by Kemba Walker, who had 12 points and 10 assists.
In the Lakers’ last matchup, they got blown out by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 133-96. Oklahoma City’s 8.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Los Angeles, who had a rate of 14.7. The Thunder’s mark was better than their season average of 12.7. With 12 points and six rebounds, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope put together a good game for Los Angeles.
Los Angeles could have difficulty getting to the free throw line in this meeting. The Lakers currently rank 20th in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.185, while Charlotte ranks seventh in FTA rate allowed (0.179).
Charlotte heads into the game with records of 14-23 straight up (SU) and 14-19-4 against the spread (ATS). Hornets games have a slight tendency to go under the projected point total (54.1 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 11-26 SU and 17-20 ATS. Of the Lakers’ 37 games, 21 have finished over the total.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Kyle Kuzma recorded 12 points and 14 rebounds and the Lakers beat the Hornets 110-99, covering as 3.5-point underdogs. The game finished with a total of 209 points, which was just 2.5 points below the projected point total of 211.5 points. Los Angeles’ 0.176 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Charlotte, who had a mark of 0.097.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Charlotte is 5-9-3 ATS on the road with 8 overs, 8 unders and 1 push.
Los Angeles is 8-11 ATS at home with 12 overs and 7 unders.
Charlotte is 6-2 when they hold opponents below 100 points, while Los Angeles is 5-3.
In games where they reach the century mark, the Hornets are 14-9 and the Lakers are 11-15.
Charlotte ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.1) while Los Angeles ranks last (19.3).
The Hornets rank first in second chance points allowed per game (9.6) while the Lakers rank 28th (14.3).
Charlotte averages 46.3 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 27th in rebounds allowed per game (45.6).
The Hornets rank first in steals allowed per game (6.6) while the Lakers rank 24th (8.3).
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (16.0) while Charlotte ranks 24th (9.3).
The Lakers rank eighth in assists per game (23.1) while the Hornets rank 27th (20.7).
Charlotte ranks 15th in points allowed in the paint per game (43.4) while Los Angeles ranks last (50.6).
The Hornets rank 15th in blocks allowed per game (4.9) while the Lakers rank 28th (6.0).
Los Angeles averages 27.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 19th in the league. Charlotte ranks 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (30.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Charlotte is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Hornets have outscored opponents by an average of 3.4 points in their last five games. For the season, Charlotte has lost by an average of 1.4 points.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 107.8 points per game (1.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 125.0 points per game (13.2 above their season average).
