LA Lakers x Charlotte Hornets – Palpite & Prognóstico (29.01.2022)

The LA Lakers will continue their six-game journey when they face the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on Friday, January 28.

The Lakers are coming off a 105-87 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers to slide below .500 for the season. Meanwhile, the Hornets produced a monstrous performance in their 158-126 victory over the Indiana Pacers.

This is the last installment of the season series between the Lakers and the Hornets. With the Lakers winning the first game, Charlotte, on a two-game winning streak, will look to level the series at home.

LA Lakers Preview

The only bright spark in the Lakers’ loss in their last game was Anthony Davis’ performance.

He was his old self the night he took the battle to Joel Embiid. Recording 31 points and 12 rebounds on the outing, Davis also played a huge role in the defensive end, making four blocks and two steals.

In addition to Davis’ performance, the Lakers were plagued by shooting and three-point turnovers. With Russell Westbrook accounting for six of the Lakers’ 17 turnovers, the rest of the team struggled to function as a unit.

A glaring absence from the game was LeBron James, who sat out because of knee pain. The Lakers will eagerly await his potential comeback Friday night.

Key Player – Anthony Davis

A key player for the LA Lakers in their back-to-back games could be Anthony Davis, who recently returned from injury. After a slight eight-point rout in his first game back, the Lakers big man rose to the occasion against one of the best big men in the league on Thursday.

Davis looked extremely comfortable on the ground against the 76ers. Getting to his places and taking down mid-range shots, Davis also blocked Embiid in many plays at the defensive end. Making use of his quickness and athleticism to get two blocks on the Cameroonian, Davis showed that he should still be in the conversation of a top ten player in the league.

The 28-year-old could play a key role as an offensive presence and defensive anchor against Charlotte. Facing a big solid man in Mason Plumlee, Davis will have to settle down to open up opportunities for the Lakers.

LA Lakers Prediction Line

G – Russell Westbrook | G – Avery Bradley | F – Stanley Johnson | F – LeBron James | C – Anthony Davis.

Charlotte Hornets Forecast

The Charlotte Hornets return home after a monstrous corner kick in Indiana. While recording the highest score of the season, Charlotte caught fire with tremendous performances in every field.

Kelly Oubre Jr. led with 39 points, while the trio of Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier and LaMelo Ball each recorded more than 20 points.

Charlotte started the game with a deficit in the first quarter. However, the fireworks display over the next three quarters saw them register 38 points in the second and 40+ in the third and fourth quarters.

The Charlotte Hornets will be in a good mood when they get home. However, in the potential absence of Gordon Hayward and Jaden McDaniels, the Hornets will need to make adjustments to continue their winning streak.

Key Player – LaMelo Ball

A key player for the Charlotte Hornets in their home game on Friday could be the LaMelo Ball. With a triple score of 29 points, ten rebounds and 13 assists, the Ball put his talents on display as he led the Hornets to victory.

Ball has been one of the most exciting young players this season. With his eccentric personality and flashy playing style, he helped Charlotte become a repechage candidate this season.

Coming into Friday’s game, the ball could be the key to establishing Charlotte’s attacking rhythm. The talented goalscorer will have to get players like Terry Rozier and Miles Bridges to open the scoring.

Charlotte Hornets Predicted Lineup

G – LaMelo Ball | G – Terry Rozier | F – Miles Bridges | F – PJ Washington | C – Mason Plumlee.

Lakers vs Hornets Match Prediction

Friday night’s marquee game could see the LA Lakers emerge victorious in Charlotte. This is largely due to LeBron James’ availability for the Lakers.

While the Hornets will enjoy the home advantage and have the most key players available, James’ availability could turn the tide in the Lakers’ favor.

With Davis also in shape, the Lakers will be hoping their big man brings his A game on this ride to enjoy a win on the road. However, back-to-back fatigue could work against the Lakers, something the Hornets would have been aware of.