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In the professional sports world, the Lakers are getting a true stand-alone, prime-time affair Wednesday.
With every other NBA team off, the NHL breaking for their wildly entertaining “Four Nations” tournament and baseball yet to start, it should be a big spot for everyone to see the new-look Lakers.
LeBron James controversially decided not to play in the All-Star Game after mysteriously not showing up for the other events throughout the weekend.
James is listed as questionable against the Hornets and there appears to be legitimate doubt surrounding whether he will play Wednesday vs. the Hornets or Thursday against the Trail Blazers.
If he doesn’t play, Luka Doncic may take the reigns of the offense after looking timid, out of shape and not healthy in his first two games with the team.
Hornets vs. Lakers odds
| Team | Spread | Monwyline | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hornets | +12.5 (-110) | +475 | Over 227.5 (-110) |
| Lakers | -12.5 (-110) | -700 | Under 227.5 (-110) |
Odds provided by Fanatics Sportsbook
Hornets vs. Lakers prediction
(10 p.m. ET)
This line has not moved much, indicating that James is truly questionable, as any news regarding his availability would surely move the spread at least a point or two.
OddsLogic tells The Post this line opened at -13, while the total opened at 223.5 and has been bet up substantially since then.
Of interest, Mark Williams, who was traded to the Lakers earlier this season before controversially having the trade reversed due to a failed physical, is not listed on the injury report ahead of Wednesday night’s tilt and should be expected to play in this game.
It is well documented that the Lakers do not have a real center, their big men consist of Jaxson Hayes and Alex Len.
Williams has a revenge game on tap if he can block out the noise, and a cake walk matchup if he sees fit.
He is averaging 15.6 points and 9.6 rebounds while consistently putting up gaudy statistical performances, including a 38-point trouncing of the Chicago Bulls in January.
Williams is the play for what is expected to be a rout in a late West Coast affair, with Over 14.5 points (-118, BetMGM) a target since he’s covered in four of his last six games.
There could be some hard feelings here, as seemingly neither team truly wanted him.
But let’s bet on him channeling that energy positively and taking the “I’ll show you” approach.
Target the smaller side of his Over, 14.5 at BetMGM, but the real value spot is on Williams to score 25 or more at 11/1 at Bet365.
No other book is even close on these odds, with one other oddsmaker coming in at +725 and another at +800.
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Williams had 23 against Washington just before the trade and 20 vs. Denver predceding his 38-point outburst against the Bulls.
He has scored 25 or more in two of his last nine games (+450 odds implied) and this should profile as an easy matchup — hurt feelings aside.
PICK(s): Mark Williams Over 14.5 points (-118, BetMGM) | 25+ points (11/1, Bet365)
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