Posted on
3/14/2008 4:02:35 PM
NBA Gambling - Hornets Host Lakers in Possible Western Conference Finals
By Eric Williams
The Los Angeles Lakers, (45-19 SU, 39-23-1 ATS, 31-32 O/U), have won eight of their last ten games including a solid 117-108 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
The New Orleans Hornets, (43-20 SU, 38-24-1 ATS, 30-32-1 O/U), are 6-4 in their last ten games in the BetUS.com Sportsbook but are coming off what may be their best win of the regular season, a 100-75 win over the San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday.
The Lakers have the best record in the western conference coming into this crucial showdown but are just 1 1/2 games back of L.A. in the tight western conference.
Two of the league’s best MVP candidates will meet when the Lakers’ Kobe Bryant and Hornets’ Chris Paul take the floor tonight.
Both Los Angeles and New Orleans have won four of their last five games with Bryant averaging 32.4 points and 7.4 rebounds in his last five contests, while Paul is putting up 27.6 points and 14.0 assists per contest over the same span.
The Hornets are 6-4 against the spread in their last ten games and 4-1 in their last five while Los Angeles is 5-5 against the spread over the same span but just 2-4 in their last six.
Here is a look at tonight’s Key Trends, followed by my NBA Betting Free Picks:
The Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games as a road favorite.
The Lakers are 6-1 ATS in their last seven games playing on two days rest.
The Hornets are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 home games.
The Hornets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as an underdog of 0.5-4.5.
The Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
The Over is 5-0 in Hornets last 5 vs. NBA Pacific.
The Over is 12-2 in the last 14 meetings.
The Over is 6-1 in the last 7 meetings in New Orleans.
Analysis: I know the Lakers are a better offensive team than the San Antonio Spurs, but after watching New Orleans absolutely dismantle the Spurs in their last contest, I think they should be able to cover this spread with another solid effort. Take the Hornets to cover the spread just barely.
NBA Free Picks: New Orleans +3½ Points/Over 208½ Total Points
08:05 PM EST Basketball Point Spreads
LA Lakers -3½ -110
New Orleans Hornets +3½ -110
Over 208½ -110
Under 208½ -110
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