The New Orleans Hornets look to stave off elimination tonight, Thursday April 28th, when they host the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of the Western Conference quarter-finals. The Lakers lead the best of seven series 3-2 SU and lead the Hornets 7-3 SU through their last ten meetings. NBA oddsmakers have the Lakers as -5.5 point road favourites over the Hornets with the over/under set at 183 points. Be sure to check the Lakers vs Hornets NBA Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
Los Angeles (3-2, 1-1 V) dominated Game 5 winning 106-90, at home, thanks to Kobe Bryant’s 19pts, Andrew Bynum’s 18pts and Lamar Odem’s 13pts off the bench. Both Gasol and Bynum finally fought back with increased aggressiveness. The Lakers were great in the paint with 42pts to the Hornets 30pts. The Lakers finally showcased their superior size advantage against the Hornets in a physical nature, a quality not usually attached to the defending champions. "We should play like that all the time," Gasol said after posting 16 points on six-of-12 shooting, eight rebounds and three blocks. "Game 5 was a game we needed to play physical, control the boards and use our bodies." Lakers Coach Phil Jackson argued the team's 22-2 advantage in second-chance points proved to be the main variable that gave the Lakers the win. Bryant, meanwhile, continues to receive treatment for an injury to his left ankle and foot that occurred late in the Hornets Game 4 win. Of course, the Hornets realized by the second quarter of Game 5 that they better not count on the injury slowing the Lakers' superstar down. Although he played less than 29 minutes in Game 5, he was 8 of 13 shooting for 19 points and showed little lack of explosion on a pair of soaring one-handed jams.
New Orleans (2-3, 1-1 H) has to have Chris Paul at his best tonight, or they’ll be fishing by the morning. "This is all or nothing for us," Paul said. "I can't wait." When Paul was sensational in Game 1 — with his 33-point, 14 assist performance and his triple-double in Game 4 — the Hornets have pulled out a pair of hard fought victories. In the series' other three games, when Paul has still been exceptional, but short of dominant, the Lakers have won, including twice by double digits. The Hornets never looked more outmatched in the series, but if that result shook their confidence, they're not letting it show. "The great thing about it is now we get to go back to our home court with our fans behind us, and we have to bring the energy," Paul said. "It's the elimination game now. We can't leave anything out there." Hornets coach Monty Williams said Paul's teammates could have helped him by showing more toughness on defense and fouling hard.
Recent Trends to Consider:
Over is 4-1 in the last 5 meetings in New Orleans.
Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings.
Lakers are 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings in New Orleans.
Road team is 15-6 ATS in the last 21 meetings.
Underdog is 17-6 ATS in the last 23 meetings.
Hornets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games playing on 1 days rest.
Hornets are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 playoff games as an underdog of 5.0-10.5.
Lakers vs Hornets
When: Thursday, April 28, 8:00 PM ET
Pick: Lakers -5.5
Point-Spreads.com recommends you check out NBA Point Spreads before Lakers vs Hornets game.
The Bottom Line: If the Lakers play tough and dominate in the paint, they’ll move onto the next round. Be sure to check Lakers vs Hornets Basketball Point Spreads and get your predictions in early.
