New Orleans Hornets vs. L.A. Lakers Betting Picks

New Orleans Hornets vs. L.A. Lakers Picks and More

NBA Point Spread: OFF O/U OFF

By: Barrett Kazmerzack of Coopers Pick CALL NOW 1-888-730-COOP

With their Game 4 win the Hornets again took back home court advantage in this series and once again Chris Paul had a HUGE game. In Game 1 he led the Hornets to an upset win and he did the same in Game 4 going for a triple double (27 points, 15 assists, 13 rebounds). Kobe Bryant really struggled in the game going 5/18 from the floor and he was held scoreless in the first half. Another reason the Lakers lost Game 4 is that they did not use their size advantage in the paint and they were out-rebounded in the game (39-32).

In Game 4 New Orleans won 93-88 and they covered the spread with the total going Under.

It is interesting that the Hornets have won 2 games in this series since they were 0-4 against the Lakers in the regular season. This season the Lakers are 31-12 at home and the Hornets are 19-24 on the road.

This season the Lakers are 40-45-1 ATS and the Hornets are 42-42-2 ATS. The Hornets have covered the spread in 3 of the 4 games in this series.

In Game 4 the Hornets shot a legit 44.6% from the field and Paul did not do it all with the duo of Trevor Ariza and Carl Landry combining for 35 points. These guys may really have to step up in Game 5, as the Lakers will key on Paul and not let him have another monster game.

Kobe sprained his ankle in Game 4 and he will play in Game 5, but how will he play? That is not only a big question on offense, but on defense as well, as if he can shut down Paul the Lakers have a great chance to win.

Pau Gasol did have 16 points in Game 4, but he only had 4 rebounds. Ron Artest also had 16 points, but they all came in the first half.

Gasol, Andrew Bynum, and Lamar Odom, who really struggled in Game 4 going for 6 points on 1/7 shooting, have to get in the paint and use their size in the lane to score and win the battle of the boards. If they can do this and Kobe is his usual self the Lakers should easily win this game.

In the last few seasons in the playoffs the Lakers usually play better when they have a little adversity, which they have in this game since a loss will put them on the brink of elimination. Look for Zen Master Phil Jackson to come up with a great scheme on D like he did after the Lakers lost Game 1.

Betting Trends

The Hornets have covered the spread in 3 games in this series, but overall they are only 3-7 ATS in their last 10 games in the Western Conference quarterfinals and in 7 of their last road games the total has gone Under 5 times.

The Lakers have only covered the spread 1 time in their last 6 home games, 3 of their last 11 games overall, and in their last 7 games the total has gone Over 5 times.

The Lakers have only covered the spread 2 times in their last 11 games facing the Hornets.