Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated Dec 23, 2022

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Two teams looking to provide some Christmas cheer for their fanbases take to the hardwood floor Friday night when the Los Angeles Lakers host the Charlotte Hornets.

Charlotte
27-55
AT
December 23, 2022, 10:30 PM ET
Staples Center
L.A. Lakers
43-39
Pointspread +3 -106
Moneyline +132
Over / Under o +243

21%

Betting Action

79%

Matchup Odds
Pointspread -3 -113
Moneyline -158
Over / Under u +243

21%

Betting Action

79%

Matchup Odds

Unfortunately for LA, the team looks no better than they were last year. Charlotte, on the other hand, entered the season with a ray of hope after being a play-in team last year, but things haven’t panned out at all.

Hornets vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds

Meetings with the Lakers often spell misfortune for the Hornets, who have only won one of the past seven games. Not only does LA often get the better of the North Carolina club, but the games are rarely close, with only one of the six Laker victories decided by fewer than 10 points.

Steve Clifford’s ensemble has had a rough go so far this season. It has been stung by the injury bug and a lack of depth has been exposed. Ergo, the Hornets are near-basement dwellers in the Eastern Conference at 8-24. They’ve provided a degree of optimism against the spread, amassing a 14-17-1 record. Nothing special, but it’s a safer bet than the moneyline. Case in point: they’re 4-6 ATS for their last 10 contests while outright winning only once.

At 11-18-1, one wouldn’t argue that LA is the safest bet when considering the spread. What’s especially discouraging in their case is the frequency with which the side fails to cover quite generous spreads when underdogs. Several times this year they’ve been pinned as +8 underdogs or worse and were completely flattened. They’re also labouring through a three-game streak of failing to cover.

Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte isn’t a franchise that often gets the spotlight. A relatively small market, they haven’t helped their case by having a miserable season so far. Out of the nine losses in the past 10 games, four were by more than 15 points. They blessedly halted an eight-game slide on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings, escaping with a 125-119 win. LaMelo Ball, whose playing time has been limited this season due to injuries, had a decent night, going 9-of-19 from the field and tallying 23 points.

On Wednesday the Clippers were in a less generous mood, routing the Hornets 126-105. LA even led by 31 points at the half. With subpar shooting (40.2 per cent), worse three-point efficiency (29 per cent), and out-rebounded, Charlotte looked like a second-class squad. The defence floundered all evening, incapable of forcing the Clippers into many contested shots, resulting in the winning side’s terrific 46.9 per cent efficiency from beyond the arc. The shooting was so average, winning the turnover battle (27-15) couldn’t influence the game in Charlotte’s favour.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Hornets weren’t the only team whose defence was once again exposed this week. Wednesday night’s trip to Sacramento to play the surging Kings was a stark reminder that a lot of work is required if they plan to make a playoff push in 2023.

Not helping matters was the fact that LA, equipped with the 26th-ranked defence in points allowed per game, was facing the top-ranked team in points scored per game. The disparity showed, suffice it to say, in the 134-120 defeat. Sacramento passed the ball around with a fluidity for which the Lakers had no response. No fewer than four Kings starters totalled at least 20 points. Conversely, no Laker could reach that threshold. There is no doubt this isn’t the same team when Anthony Davis is out (a foot injury will keep him sidelined for about a month).

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Hornets vs. Lakers?

NBA Predictions
SportsInteraction
  • CHA
  • +3 -3
  • LAL
Matchup NBA Odds