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This Los Angeles Lakers vs. New Orleans free pick is courtesy of PreGame.com. Find more free picks and game analyses at PreGame.com here.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Hornets match up in a game that features 2 teams heading in opposite directions. The Lakers are closing in on the top seed in the Western Conference while the Hornets are free falling into the depths of the Western Conference. The Lakers are a 5.5 favorite, with a total of 201.5 points tonight. This game starts at 8:00 EDT.
New Orleans certainly appears to be one of "those" teams that have already quit on their season. New Orleans has lost 5 of their past 6 games SU by double digits. In March alone, the Hornets are 3-12 both SU and ATS. Making matters worse is the fact the Hornets were eliminated from postseason play after their most recent game. This discomforting play has put a damper on the return of PG Chris Paul. Arguably the best point guard in the NBA, Paul has been rusty in his return thus far averaging 7 PPG while shooting 38% from the field. New Orleans is 34-40 SU and 33-40-1 ATS overall this season. The Hornets are 22-14 SU and 15-21 ATS in home games this season. The Hornets are 24-23 ATS as the listed underdog this season, including 4-3 ATS as a home underdog of 3.5 to 6 PTS. New Orleans will be looking for revenge today, as they are trying to avoid being swept by the Lakers this season. New Orleans has lost both games by double digits to the Lakers this
season, allowing 107 PPG in their 2 defeats. Rookie Guards Darren Collison and Marcus Thornton have been the bright spots for the Hornets this season, so look for even more minutes from this duo as the regular season comes to a close.
The Hornets are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 home games. The under is 6-2 in the Hornets last 8 games following a double-digit home loss. Forward Peja Stojakovic continues to miss games at a rapid rate, as he has been so injury prone over his past few seasons. Stojakovic is listed as doubtful tonight.
Los Angeles has won 9 of their past 10 games SU, as they are clearly gearing up for postseason play. The Lakers are attempting to play better team defense, as they've held 5 of their past 6 opponents under 100 PTS. The Lakers have a veteran team, which is important in the scenario they are in. The Lakers have little incentive to play well right now, as they have all but locked up the #1 seed in the Western Conference and are highly unlikely to catch Cleveland for the overall best record. The Lakers are 54-19 SU and 31-39-3 ATS overall this season. The Lakers are 22-14 SU and 16-19-1 ATS in road games this season. Los Angeles is a losing proposition as the listed favorite, going 27-33 ATS this season. More specifically, the Lakers are 5-7 ATS as a road favorite of 3.5 to 6 PTS this season. While the Lakers have been winning game after game SU, Los Angeles is only 9-16 ATS in the 2nd half of the season thus far. The Lakers offense got back on track in
their last game, scoring 109 PTS after being held under 100 PTS in their 3 previous contests. G Kobe Bryant is 4th in the NBA in scoring, averaging 27.1 PPG this season in leading the Lakers.
The Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. The under is 13-3 in the Lakers last 16 road games against an opponent with a home winning greater than .600%. Center Andrew Bynum is expected to miss another week, as he is battling an achilles injury. Forward Ron Artest is also on the injury report tonight, as he is listed as probable with an ankle injury.
Pregame.com projects the final score to be 108-101 in favor of the Los Angeles Lakers. The OVER 201.5 is the Total of the Day!
Johnny Detroit, Gambling911.com
