The Los Angeles Lakers (17-11), 1-point underdogs, will travel to the Spectrum Center to take on the Charlotte Hornets (14-14). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 227.5 points and it can be seen on Fox Sports Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 15, 2018.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Hornets (5.5-point favorites) were defeated by the New York Knicks, 126-124, while the Lakers (5.5-point underdogs) fell to the Houston Rockets, 126-111. Both games went over their projected point totals. The Charlotte game finished 33.5 points over the projected point total of 216.5, while the Los Angeles game went 10.5 points over the projected point total of 226.5.
Los Angeles had an effective field goal percentage of 0.600 (above their season average of 0.532) while Charlotte held New York to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.6 (below their season average of 25.3). Charlotte’s Cody Zeller led the way, finishing with 21 points and 13 rebounds. LeBron James played a pivotal role for Los Angeles with 29 points and five rebounds.
This was a highly competitive series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. In the last contest, the Hornets won 108-94. The Hornets’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Lakers. Charlotte had a rate of 32.0, while Los Angeles posted a mark of 23.1. This is the first time these teams will clash this year.
Games involving the Lakers tend to go under the total (60.7 percent). Los Angeles has a solid 17-11 straight up (SU) record, but they are just 11-16-1 against the spread (ATS).
In opposition of Los Angeles, Hornets games have a slight tendency to go over the projected point total (51.9 percent). Additionally, Charlotte owns records of 14-14 SU and 16-11 ATS.
Kyle Kuzma has taken his game to another level as of late for Los Angeles, averaging 25 points,8.2 rebounds,3.4 assists over the last five games.
Los Angeles could struggle to create turnovers. Charlotte ranks first in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 11.3 percent), while Los Angeles forces the 18th-most turnovers (13.8 percent).
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets ATS Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Hornets, ATS Winner – Hornets, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Lakers rank 16 in assists per game (23.892857142857142) while the Hornets rank 22 in assists allowed per game (25.285714285714285).
- Los Angeles averages 6.0 blocks per game, which ranks fourth in the NBA. Charlotte ranks last in blocks allowed per game (6.9).
- The Hornets rank fourth in steals allowed per game (6.9) while the Lakers rank 21st (8.2).
- Los Angeles averages 55.6 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (49.0).
- Los Angeles averages 46 rebounds per game, which ranks 11 in the NBA. Charlotte ranks 24 in rebounds allowed per game (46.392857142857146).
- The Hornets rank second in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.3) while the Lakers rank 21st (17.7).
- The Hornets rank 5 in three pointers attempted per game (34.107142857142854) while the Lakers rank 18 (30.5).
- Charlotte averages 13.107142857142858 second chance points per game, which ranks 16 in the league. Los Angeles ranks 18 in second chance points allowed per game (13.821428571428571).
- Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (20.0) while Charlotte ranks 21st (11.4).
- Los Angeles is 6-0 when they allow less than 100 points, while Charlotte is 3-0.
- The Lakers are 16-10 when they score more than 100 points, while the Hornets are 14-13.
- Los Angeles is 5-8 ATS on the road, while Charlotte is 9-6 ATS at home.
- In 13 road games, the Lakers have 7 unders and 6 overs.
- The Hornets have 8 overs and 7 unders in 15 home games.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Los Angeles and Charlotte have both had 3 overs and 2 unders.
- The Hornets are 2-3 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 1-3-1.
- The Hornets have scored an equal number of points as their opponents. On the season, Charlotte has defeated opponents by an average of 3.0 points.
- During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 114.2 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 113.0 points per game (1.6 above their season average).
