The Los Angeles Lakers (33-42) will be 2-point underdogs at home in the Staples Center when they meet the Charlotte Hornets (35-39). The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 225.5 points and it will air on Fox Sports Carolina at 10:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 29, 2019.
Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
Both teams covered in their last matchup. The Hornets (4.5-point underdogs) beat the San Antonio Spurs, 125-116, while the Lakers (16-point underdogs) were defeated by the Utah Jazz, 115-100. The Charlotte game finished 21 points over the projected point total of 220, while the Los Angeles game finished 4.5 points under the projected point total of 219.5.
Charlotte played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 5.1 (better than their season average of 10.7) and a free throw rate of 0.200 (matching their season average). For those same stats, San Antonio had marks of 8.5 and 0.138, respectively. Los Angeles, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 3.6 (better than their season average of 13.2). Los Angeles was led by JaVale McGee, who finished with 16 points and 13 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kemba Walker played a pivotal role for Charlotte with 38 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, LeBron James led the Lakers to a 128-100 win. He recorded a triple-double with 24 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists. The two teams combined to put up 228 points, which was just over the projected point total of 226, and Los Angeles covered as a 1-point favorite. The Lakers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest advantage over the Hornets. Los Angeles had a rate of 25.6, while Charlotte posted a mark of 17.6.
Matchups featuring the Hornets have a tendency to go over the total (56.8 percent). Charlotte comes into the game with records of 35-39 straight up (SU) and 34-38-2 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Charlotte, Lakers games have a tendency to finish under the total (61.3 percent). Moreover, Los Angeles owns records of 33-42 SU and 29-44-2 ATS.
The Hornets’ Walker has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 23 points,7.2 assists,6.4 rebounds,1.6 steals per game. Meanwhile, McGee has averaged 18 points,13.2 rebounds,3.6 blocks,1.4 steals during that same time frame for the Lakers.
Los Angeles may have trouble getting to the foul line in this contest. The Lakers rank 24th in the league with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.184, while Charlotte ranks third in FTA rate allowed (0.182).
Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Hornets average 13.3 second chance points per game, which ranks 15th in the league. The Lakers rank 23rd in second chance points allowed per game (14.0).
- Charlotte ranks first in points off turnovers allowed per game (13.9) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (18.1).
- The Lakers rank second in points in the paint per game (56.1) while the Hornets rank 20th (46.8).
- Charlotte ranks 10th in three pointers attempted per game (33.9) while Los Angeles ranks 24th in three pointers allowed per game (33.5).
- Los Angeles ranks 12th in assists per game (25.3) while Charlotte ranks 24th in assists allowed per game (25.8).
- The Lakers rank ninth in blocks per game (5.4) while the Hornets rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (6.2).
- The Lakers rank eighth in rebounds per game (46.3) while the Hornets rank 21st in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
- Charlotte averages 7.1 steals per game, which ranks 21st in the league. Los Angeles ranks 24th in steals allowed per game (8.2).
- Los Angeles ranks third in fast break points per game (19.3) while Charlotte ranks 22nd (11.3).
- When allowing under 100 points, Los Angeles is 7-0 and Charlotte is 10-4.
- The Lakers are 32-33 when they score above 100 points, while the Hornets are 34-27.
- Los Angeles is 13-22-2 ATS at home, while Charlotte is 15-20 ATS on the road.
- The total has gone under in 26 of the Lakers’ 37 home games, while 21 of the Hornets’ 35 road games have gone over.
Bettings Trends:
- The Hornets are 4-1 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 3-2.
- In their last five games, Charlotte has 4 overs and 1 under, while Los Angeles has 5 unders.
- During their last five games, the Hornets have scored an average of 118.2 points per game (7.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 114.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
- The Lakers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 2.2, up from 2.1 for the season.
