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- What: NBA Regular Season Game
- When: February 19, 2025
- Who: Charlotte Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers
- Time: 10:00 p.m. EST
- Where: Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles, CA)
The Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) will face the Charlotte Hornets (13-39) on Wednesday at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers are riding a seven-game winning streak at home, while the Hornets are looking to snap a three-game skid.
The Lakers have strengthened their lineup with the recent addition of Luka Dončić, who came over from the Dallas Mavericks in a trade.
Despite dealing with a calf injury that kept him out for more than six weeks, Dončić has quickly made his mark, scoring 14 points in his debut and following it up with 16 points in his second game.
Meanwhile, LeBron James, who was unable to participate in the All-Star Game due to issues with his left foot and ankle, is anticipated to return for this clash, looking to solidify the Lakers’ playoff chances.
On the other hand, the Hornets have had a tough season, currently mired in a three-game losing streak and suffering from four straight losses on the road.
Their recent struggles have underscored the pressing need for better offensive and defensive tactics to effectively match up against higher-ranked opponents.
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Game Preview (Hornets vs. Lakers)
Despite their underdog status, the Charlotte Hornets have a legitimate chance to upset the Los Angeles Lakers.
| Spread |  |  |  |
| Charlotte Hornets +12 Points | -105 | -105 | -105 |
| Los Angeles Lakers -12 Points | -115 | -115 | -115 |
LaMelo Ball’s return has energized the Hornets’ offense, combining his playmaking with Miles Bridges’ scoring ability to create a potent attack.
The Lakers, still integrating Luka Doncic, are vulnerable, as shown by their recent loss to the Jazz.
Defensively, Mark Williams’ presence in the paint for Charlotte could neutralize the Lakers’ inside game, especially given the Lakers’ center depth issues following the Anthony Davis trade.
If the Hornets can control the tempo, limit turnovers, and exploit the Lakers’ defensive weaknesses, they could pull off an upset.
The Los Angeles Lakers are well-positioned to defeat the Charlotte Hornets. Luka Dončić’s arrival has elevated the Lakers’ offense, creating a dominant partnership with LeBron James and addressing previous scoring concerns.
Back at work 💪 pic.twitter.com/jtwsWT0HqN
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) February 19, 2025
This offensive boost, combined with their strong interior game, gives them a clear edge over the Hornets’ inconsistent defense. Charlotte’s numerous injuries, including LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Grant Williams, have severely impacted their offensive production.
The Lakers’ improved defensive rebounding and ability to prevent second-chance points will likely exploit Charlotte’s weaknesses in the paint, especially with Mark Williams’ uncertain status and the Hornets’ lack of frontcourt depth.
The Lakers’ star power, improved team chemistry, and the Hornets’ struggles all point towards a Lakers victory. I would take the Lakers to cover the 12-point spread in this one.
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Total Points
| Total Points | | | |
| Over 226 | -110 | -110 | -105 |
| Under 226 | -110 | -110 | -115 |
Neither team in this matchup has excelled at scoring this season, with Charlotte struggling notably on offense.
The Hornets boast the third lowest scoring average in the league at 106.3 points and have failed to reach 105 points in six out of their seven games this month.
While Dončić has the ability to elevate Los Angeles’s offensive performance, it appears they may not need to exert much effort to defeat a visiting team that might be lacking its top playmaker.
Evening reps in LA pic.twitter.com/XCsffKfmqk
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 19, 2025
The total has gone over in 13 of 25 for the Lakers in their home games, while the Hornets have only gone over in 10 of their away games.
This has all the makings of an Under. Both these teams will undoubtedly be a little rusty after the All-Star break.
I’d bet Under 226 points at -115 odds in this one.
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