New Orleans Hornets @ LA Lakers
United States: NBA Basketball
Tuesday 29 January 2013 - Tip Off 10:30pm
3:30am (British Time)
Preview
Both of these teams come into the game off impressive wins and both will probably see this one as a game they can win and build some momentum. After all the struggles this season, the LA Lakers (19-25) knocked off the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Staples Center on Sunday and now find themselves just 4.5 games off the Western Conference Play Off picture.
While the Play Offs are not something the New Orleans Hornets (15-29) are contemplating this season, there are signs that the team are coming together. They knocked off the Memphis Grizzlies last time out to snap a 2 game losing run, thanks mainly to a heavy load of three pointers.
The win over the Grizzlies meant the Hornets could avoid their longest losing streak of the season since losing 11 straight back in December. New Orleans use the likes of Ryan Anderson to shoot their three pointers to keep in games and while they are hot, the Hornets are a dangerous team.
However, it will be interesting how they get on against the LA Lakers who have just found a groove in their last couple of games as they have allowed an average of 90 points per game, while also surpassing 100 points in each.
Kobe Bryant is relishing his new role of being a provider and both Steve Nash and Dwight Howard have got going a little bit in wins over Utah and Oklahoma City. Pau Gasol has also got back to shooting the ball properly since coming off the bench and has sounded a little more positive about his new role for the team.
The Lakers have a chance to go on their longest winning run since winning 5 in a row back in December. This is an important stretch for the team as they are facing a number of opponents with losing records and this could be a real opportunity to close the gap on the Play Off places.
Head to Head
The Lakers beat New Orleans by 16 points on the road earlier in the season in their only meeting so far.
That means the Lakers have won 6 in a row overall in the series and they have won their last 6 at the Staples Center against New Orleans.
Prediction
The Lakers have shown some real form in the last couple of games and may just have found a winning formula at last. However, they will have to limit the three pointers that New Orleans can score if they are to complete the win.
If the Lakers continue with the Defense they have shown in their last 2 games, they should be able to win the game and cover the spread... Although my luck will likely see them lead by 50 points and then lose by 1 going on the last week.
The Pick :
LA Lakers 103-93 New Orleans Hornets
FIXED ODDS BETTING :
I'll back the LA Lakers - 7 Points @ 1.92
Source:
http://www.goonersguide.com/basketball-pick-17065-New-Orleans-Hornets-at-LA-Lakers.htm
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