The Charlotte Hornets are set to host the Los Angeles Lakers in a cross-conference matchup on Monday’s NBA schedule. With the Hornets struggling at 10-38 overall and 5-19 at home, they’ll look to turn things around against the Lakers, who stand at 26-25 overall and 9-17 on the road.
Recent Performance: The Lakers have dominated the recent head-to-head matchups, winning eight of the last 10 meetings between the two teams. Their most recent encounter ended in a decisive 133-112 victory for the Lakers at home on Dec. 28. However, with the Hornets showing signs of improvement and looking to break their losing streak, this game could prove to be more competitive.
Betting Odds and Lines: According to the latest odds, the Lakers are favored by 12 points in this matchup. The over/under is set at 227.5 points. The Hornets are listed at +487 on the money line, while the Lakers are at -703.
Injury Updates: The Hornets have been dealing with injuries to key players, including LaMelo Ball, Gordon Hayward, and Mark Williams. Ball has missed the last five games due to an ankle injury, while Hayward and Williams remain sidelined with calf and back issues, respectively. On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James and Anthony Davis are listed as questionable for Monday’s game, while Jarred Vanderbilt and Cam Reddish are out.
Key Players to Watch: For the Hornets, Brandon Miller has been a standout performer, averaging 22.7 points over his last 10 games. Despite the team’s struggles, Miller has shown promise, especially with his career-high 35-point performance in the last game against the Indiana Pacers.
On the Lakers’ side, LeBron James continues to be a force to be reckoned with, averaging 24.9 points, 7.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game this season. James’ leadership and scoring ability will be crucial for the Lakers as they look to secure another road victory.
Prediction: While the Lakers have been inconsistent on the road, they have shown resilience in recent games against Eastern Conference opponents. With key players like LeBron James leading the charge, the Lakers are poised to extend their winning streak against the struggling Hornets.
Final Score Prediction: Charlotte Hornets 105, Los Angeles Lakers 118