NBA Expert Tips and Best Bets | 20 Feb

One game marks the Thursday schedule for the NBA in its first game action since All-Star Weekend. The Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Doncic hosting LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets.

Read on to get some expert insight on the smart plays to make when it comes to this contest, including a player prop bet you won’t want to miss.

Lakers -12.5 |$1.95 @ Playup

All eyes continue to be on the Lakers as the newly acquired Luka Doncic continues to work his way back to regular-season form. Though they are coming off a loss their last time out, L.A. is still 8-2 in their last 10 games and has won 12 of their last 16.

The Hornets are quite the different story going 1-9 in their previous ten and having lost 11 of their last 13. On the injury front, LeBron James has been listed as questionable with left foot soreness.

Even with LeBron trending towards sitting out, the Lakers’ chances look good with Luka potentially getting the full reins for the first time. Take the Lakers to win handily and cover.

Hornets-Lakers Over 225.5 |$1.85 @ Betfocus

When it comes to gauging the number of points to be scored in this game, it gets a little interesting. The Lakers have been on fire lately on offense, averaging 121.3 points per game in their last 10, good for sixth-best in the league.

Charlotte is averaging 100.3 in that same game span or seventh-worst. The Hornets have also hit the Under in three straight games and nine of their last 12.

Watch for the Lakers’ offense to shine with Luka running the show but their defense to falter as a result. Our expert tip is to take the Over.

Rui Hachimura 18+ Points |$2.30 @ Betright

The latest reports out of Los Angeles indicate that LeBron James may miss games to deal with an ankle issue. A home game against the lowly Hornets seems like a perfect time to do that.

That means more open looks and touches for 6’8” forward Rui Hachimura. Expect him to feast this game if, as expected, James sits out. He’ll be getting the choicest passes from both Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

Hachimura should be getting any kind of look he wants while playing extra minutes since he can man LeBron’s positions. $2.30 odds for 18+ points for Hachimura sounds like a great play here.