Charlotte Hornets (8-27) vs. LA Lakers (20-16)
January 9, 2025 10:30 pm EDT
The Line: LA Lakers -8.5; Over/Under: 220
(Get latest betting odds)
The Charlotte Hornets and the Los Angeles Lakers duke it out at the crypto.com Arena on Thursday night. Here’s a Lakers vs Hornets Prediction. This article will include a Lakers vs Hornets Pick.
Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets have been in horrible form as they’ve lost 18 of their last 20 games overall, but they will be eager to build some momentum after snapping an ugly 10-game skid with a 115-104 home win over the Suns on Tuesday. LaMelo Ball led the team with 32 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four steals, Miles Bridges added 21 points while Nick Richards chipped in with 15 points and 12 rebounds off the bench. As a team, the Hornets shot just 38 percent from the field and 13 of 47 from the 3-point line. The Hornets did all of their damage in the second quarter where they dominated the Suns by 37-17 to turn an early 10-point deficit into a 15-point lead.
Los Angeles Lakers
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in decent form as they’ve won four of their last seven games. The Lakers will be hoping to avoid a third straight defeat after getting trampled by the Mavericks in a 118-97 road defeat on Tuesday. Anthony Davis led the team with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, LeBron James added 18 points with 10 rebounds and eight assists while Austin Reaves chipped in with 15 points. As a team, the Lakers shot 45 percent from the field and 11 of 35 from the 3-point line. The Lakers didn’t match the intensity of the Mavericks from the start and just never looked like they had a chance after falling behind at halftime. Rui Hachimura had a quiet game of just six points while Gabe Vincent finished scoreless in 24 minutes of action.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Hornets have lost each of their last 12 night games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Lakers have won 13 of their last 14 home games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Hornets have failed to cover the spread in each of their last nine games against Pacific Division opponents following a win.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in each of their last four home games against Eastern Conference opponents following a loss.
Why the Charlotte Hornets will win
- The Lakers have lost five of their last seven games as favorites after losing as favorites.
- The Hornets have won five of their last six games against the Lakers following a win.
- The underdogs have covered the spread in five of the Hornets’ last six games.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in five of their last six games against Southeast Division opponents that held a losing record.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Hornets’ last eight games has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Eight of the Lakers’ last nine games against Southeast Division opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Lakers vs Hornets Prediction
The Hornets have been one of the coldest teams in the league all season. The Hornets will be coming into this one with plenty of confidence after taking down the Suns in a long-overdue win on Tuesday. The Lakers were on a nice run before dropping their last two games, both of which were on the road. The Hornets are capable of being real pests if they get off to a quick start like they did in their last game. I think the Lakers will be keen to get their season back on track so this line isn’t looking too daunting in this matchup. I think the Lakers start strong and win this one comfortably.
