NBA Odds, Picks & Predictions: Wednesday (Hornets vs. Lakers)
There was never supposed to be a game on tonight’s NBA slate. However, after the L.A. fires postponed a Hornets-Lakers game on January 9th, the league re-scheduled for tonight.
That said, let’s break down tonight’s standalone matchup.
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Wednesday’s Best NBA Bets
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
This game is a bit awkward, knowing the Lakers and Hornets agreed to a deal before the deadline that would’ve sent Charlotte’s Mark Williams to Los Angeles for Dalton Knecht, among other pieces.
However, the Lakers’ medical staff did not approve of Williams’ physical and the trade fell through. Knecht and Williams have needed time to process what went down. However, it seems like both athletes will be available for tonight’s game for their respective teams.
In addition, Luka Doncic shouldn’t have a minutes restriction for the Lakers moving forward.
Ultimately, the Lakers rank eighth in the NBA in points per 100 possessions. Los Angeles has nailed a 56% effective field goal percentage and has turned the ball over below 14% of the time. Most importantly, the Lakers lead the NBA in free throw rate and should get there plenty of times against the Hornets tonight.
Charlotte isn’t racking up turnovers but should at least be able to keep the Lakers off the offensive glass. Still, with Doncic playing without limit, the Lakers should score at a high rate from the field.
Meanwhile, the Hornets have added just 108.4 points per 100 possessions. Charlotte is good on the offensive glass, but that’s about all it is good at on offense. The Lakers should be able to limit the Hornets from the foul line. In addition, the Hornets rank dead last in effective field goal percentage on offense. It’ll be hard for the Hornets to stick around offensively against the Lakers.
Many fans forget the Lakers are 32-20 and legitimate title contenders. The Lakers have won seven consecutive games at home entering this one.
Let’s roll with the Lakers at -12.5 tonight.
Pick: Lakers -12.5 (+100)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: