Daily NBA Betting Picks – Lakers Hosting Fledgling Hornets

The Los Angeles Lakers have seemingly put their problems behind them after big wins on the road in Phoenix and at home against Detroit, which should boost their value in NBA betting picks again.

As I’ve been saying all week long, they were simply caught in a bad streak and that happens to teams that are as old as they are. A matchup against the struggling Hornets should keep the momentum rolling.

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These teams met just one week ago and the Lakers put together a decisive 103-88 beating of the host Hornets in that matchup. There’s literally nothing to encourage a bet in the other direction for this rubber match, especially when you consider that New Orleans is 4-8-2 ATS in their last 14 road games and just 2-7 SU in their 9 most recent trips away from home.

I’m actually surprised that the troubles of the Hornets in NBA betting picks haven’t lend themselves to more Chris Paul trade rumors. The stellar point guard is averaging 16.7 points per game and 9.8 helpers but his team seems staunch on retaining his services. Even if they do keep him, it’s not like it makes them championship contenders.

New Orleans Hornets (21-15) vs. LA Lakers (25-11)

Friday, January 7th — STAPLES Center — 10:30pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Lakers -8.0 (189.0)

Which is essentially the light we regard the Lakers when it comes to the Western Conference. The two-time defending champs have come under fire recently because Phil Jackson has called out Ron Artest and Kobe Bryant through the media, but those new to NBA basketball betting are the only ones surprised. This is a long used tactic of Jackson to motivate his teams.

Strangely the biggest problem in L.A. has been Pau Gasol, who is putting up just 13.6 points per game in his last 5 efforts. It seems as though he would be the one getting called out. Still, the Lakers are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games regardless of Gasol and should be a no brainer in NBA betting picks against a Hornets team they virtually own.

Furious NBA Betting Picks – Lakers -8.0 (UNDER)

BONUS PICKS!

New York Knicks +2.5 over PHOENIX SUNS

Revenge game for D’Antoni and Amar’e Stoudemire. Aside from a win over Detroit, we haven’t seen any evidence that the Suns are going to be that solid down the road with Vince Carter backing up Steve Nash. Against teams that are begging for a shootout, the Knicks win hands down in NBA betting picks.

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES +3.0 over Portland Trail Blazers

I hardly ever trust Portland on the road, and their 3-10 SU record in 13 recent roadies should indicate why. They’re also 4-9-1 ATS in their last 15 games away from home. Minnesota is hardly a great bet, especially against Portland, but they’re a solid play at home considering the circumstances.

Make your NBA betting picks in the Western Conference Championship odds by clicking here!