The Charlotte Hornets and Los Angeles Lakers will play in an inter-conference matchup on Monday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Hornets-Lakers prediction and pick.

The Lakers and Hornets each come into Monday's action with their own set of issues. Los Angeles is still trying to figure out exactly what they can get out of Russell Westbrook, and LeBron James remains out due to injury. The Hornets come in with some serious defensive issues, having lost four straight games. Charlotte is allowing over 120 points per game across the four-game skid. The Lakers will look to move above .500 on Monday night as James' absence continues.

Here's how bookmakers have set the Hornets-Lakers odds for this Monday night matchup.

NBA Odds: Hornets-Lakers Odds

Charlotte Hornets +1.5 (-108)

Los Angeles Lakers -1.5 (-112)

Over 226.5 points (-110)

Under 226.5 points (-110)

*Watch NBA games LIVE with fuboTV (Click for free trial)*

Article Continues Below
Related Betting News
Blanchfield Barber prediction, ufc vegas 107 odds
Erin Blanchfield vs. Maycee Barber prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 107Dominik Zawartko ·
Gamrot Klein prediction, ufc vegas 107 odds
Mateusz Gamrot vs. L’udovit Klein prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 107Garrett Kerman ·
Brahimaj Goff prediction, ufc vegas 107 odds
Ramiz Brahimaj vs. Billy Ray Goff prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 107Garrett Kerman ·
Jacoby Lopes prediction, ufc vegas 107 odds
Dustin Jacoby vs. Bruno Lopes prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 107Jaren Kawada ·
Viera Chiasson prediction, ufc vegas 107 odds
Kelten Vieira vs. Macy Chiasson prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 107Dominik Zawartko ·
Reese Todorovic prediction, ufc vegas 107 odds
Zach Reese vs. Dusko Todorovic prediction, odds, pick for UFC Vegas 107Dominik Zawartko ·

Why The Hornets Can Cover The Spread

The Hornets are seventh in the NBA in offensive rating, but dead last in defense. Charlotte will be on a back-to-back Monday night after losing to the Clippers on Sunday, so keep an eye out in the afternoon for their injury report. The Lakers are without a few guys, including James, so we'll see how healthy the Hornets are on Monday night. LaMelo Ball has done well helping orchestrate the Hornets offense, but Charlotte will have to improve defensively if they are going to be a good team this season. The Hornets are a risky play as slim underdogs with a rest disadvantage.

Why The Lakers Can Cover The Spread

In addition to LeBron James, the Lakers will also be without Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and Trevor Ariza. Anthony Davis is also questionable, and his ultimate status will be major as the Hornets likely close as favorite if he's unable to go. The Lakers come into play 19th in the NBA in offensive rating. While they are a little better defensively, if Davis is unable to go they will likely struggle on that end vs. the Hornets top-10 offense. Do not bet the Lakers before seeing Davis' final status ahead of this game. If he's in, the Lakers could be a good candidate to cover on their home floor with the rest advantage.

Final Hornets-Lakers Prediction & Pick

This pick comes down to the status of Anthony Davis. Given the rest of the Lakers injuries, if Davis is unable to go it will be difficult to back Los Angeles no matter what the spread is. If Davis is in, take Lakers to win and cover on their home floor vs. a reeling Hornets group that suffered another tough loss on Sunday night.

FINAL HORNETS-LAKERS PREDICTION & PICK: Lakers -1.5 (-110), *if Anthony Davis plays*