Luka Doncic plays his third game for the Lakers after they split a pair from the Jazz in his first two. The Lakers had something really going on before Doncic arrived. Let's see if they can restart another streak as they sit fifth in the Western Conference. They're 32-20 covering 28 times and 19-6 at home where they are tonight. They played the Hornets on January 27th and beat them 112-107, pushing on the number of five. They've won six of their last seven. The Hornets have lost three straight and have lost nine of their last 10 but they've covered five times over that span. Lakers with the cover.

With the Lakers deploying more small lineups, Rui Hachimura has become key. Since Anthony Davis was traded, Hachimura has scored at least 19 points in six of seven games. LeBron James (foot) is listed as questionable after sitting out the All-Star Game and this is the first game of a back-to-back set for the Lakers. It would not be a surprise if he sits this out. If he doesn’t, that only helps Hachimura’s cause to reach this over. Even if he plays, I like this over for Hachimura based on his production since the Davis trade.

Rui Hachimura has flourished since Anthony Davis was traded to the Dallas Mavericks. He is averaging 19 points in the month of February, while attempting a season high thirteen shots per game. With Lebron James questionable and Luka Doncic still being worked into the team, look for Hachimura to continue to excel. Play his points over.

LeBron James says he expects to play Wednesday after skipping the ASG, and I have to think that Luka Doncic sees at least 30 minutes for the first time as a Laker unless this is a total blowout, which is possible. But then that would also lessen the chances of Austin Reaves scoring 22 points as his minutes would also dip ahead of another game Thursday. There are only so many shots to go around with LeBron and Luka in there. Our model has Reaves at 17.3 points Wednesday.

Lakers should have best version of Luka we have seen thus far and LBJ skipping ASG would lead me to believe he will play here. Extra space after a trade was voided between these teams. Potential Laker Mark Williams could do damage inside. Lakers run and gun, 7-1 over in last 8 games, averaging 224/G last 15. They are 16-9 over at home. Hornets are under team, 18-7 last 25 but 5 of those 7 overs are vs. West. First game with LAL was under at 219 but LaMelo Ball got hurt and played nine mins. Luka getting involved early and a fast start can force Hornets to chuck shots playing catch-up.