Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets 2/5/24 – As the NBA season continues to unfold, a compelling matchup is on the horizon as the Los Angeles Lakers (25-25) are set to face off against the Charlotte Hornets (10-37) this Monday. This game not only highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams this season but also serves as a critical juncture for both, especially for those keen on top-tier betting online. The Lakers, floating around the .500 mark, are looking to solidify their playoff position, while the Hornets aim to disrupt expectations and snatch a rare victory in a challenging season.
| When: | Monday, February 5, 2024, at 7:00 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Spectrum Center |
| TV: | BSSE |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Year 21 & locking it down 🔒 pic.twitter.com/Ny1pmn7HbQ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 4, 2024
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakers | -9 -111 | o232 -112 | -455 |  |
| Hornets | +9 -111 | u232 -110 | +350 | |
| ||||
D’Angelo Russell (PG) vs. Miles Bridges (SF)
Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell has played in 46 games this season, starting 39 of them and averaging 30.9 minutes per game. He’s putting up 17 points per contest on 36.9% shooting from three-point range, along with 6.3 assists and 2 turnovers per game (3.2 assist to turnover ratio). Russell has struggled with injuries in the past but has been relatively healthy this year. His distribution and perimeter scoring will be key against the Hornets’ poor defense.
For the Hornets, Miles Bridges has stepped up in a bigger role this season, starting 33 of 35 games and playing 37.2 minutes per night. He’s averaging career-highs with 21.1 points and 7.5 rebounds per game while shooting 34% from downtown. Bridges is leading an injury-depleted Hornets squad mostly by himself. His athleticism and improved shooting make him a difficult matchup at the small forward spot.
Russell has faced his share of athletic wings like Bridges this season. His quickness and pick-and-roll prowess allow him to get clean looks against most defenders. However, Bridges’ strength and length could bother Russell. On the other side, Bridges isn’t accustomed to chasing elite point guards like Russell around screens. Russell’s outside shooting forces big men to step up on coverage, which he can exploit with his playmaking. This matchup could decide if the Lakers’ offense or the Hornets’ defense prevails.
Lakers’ Navigating the Numbers
Los Angeles Lakers have demonstrated an exciting offense this season, averaging 116.1 points per game on 49% field goal percentage – evidence of their efficiency in scoring. Led by Russell’s playmaking and collective scoring ability, they have relied on high-octane offense to fuel their success on offense. But their 10-15 record against the spread in road games indicates variations in performance away from home that the Hornets may exploit – such as defensive resilience or bench production issues.Russell gets hot from outside and James/Davis play, the Lakers should have no issues scoring on this Hornets squad.
Hornets’ Searching for Stability
Charlotte Hornets have shown flashes of potential, especially with regards to three-point shooting and rebounding efforts averaging 11.9 three-point field goals made per game, but their overall record and performance against the spread indicate an inconsistency that needs addressing. Achieve consistency through Bridges’ all-around game could be critical in competing with Lakers; therefore requiring collective improvements in performance and execution on both fronts.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, bettors are keenly awaiting the lines for spread, moneyline, and total points. Given the Lakers’ and Hornets’ contrasting seasons, the odds will likely favor the Lakers, but the Hornets’ potential for an upset, especially at home, should not be underestimated.
Trends
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
LA Lakers are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Lakers are 10-15 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 4 of Lakers’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 10 of Lakers’ 26 last games at home.
Charlotte Hornets Betting Trends
Hornets are 0-5 in their last 5 games.
Charlotte Hornets are 0-5 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Hornets are 8-15 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Hornets’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 12 of Hornets’ 23 last games at home.
Injuries
Los Angeles Lakers
LeBron James SF Is “?” Monday vs Charlotte, Ankle
Anthony Davis PF Is “?” Monday vs Charlotte, Hip
Jarred Vanderbilt SF Is out indefinitely, Foot
Cam Reddish SG Is out indefinitely, Ankle
Gabe Vincent PG Is out indefinitely, Knee
Charlotte Hornets
No reported injuries
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Picks
Given the statistical analysis and betting trends, the Lakers appear to be the safer bet, especially considering their offensive firepower and the Hornets’ defensive woes. However, the unpredictability of the NBA means the Hornets, spurred by the home crowd, could cover the spread if set reasonably.
For those looking for daily NBA free picks, a focus on the over for total points might be prudent, considering both teams’ recent trends towards high-scoring games. Prop bets on key players like Russell and Bridges to hit their average points could also offer value, given their central roles in their respective teams’ offensive schemes. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Lakers 115, Hornets 105.
