Advertisement

The Daily Sweat: Will LeBron play for the Lakers against LaMelo and the Hornets?

The Hornets host the Lakers two days after a franchise-record performance against the Pacers.

Charlotte is a 6.5-point favorite at BetMGM against Los Angeles on Friday night after beating Indiana, 158-126. The Hornets scored the most points in franchise history and posted the highest point total of the season on Wednesday night as Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 39 points off the bench on 10-of-15 shooting from three.

The Lakers head to Charlotte after Anthony Davis returned to the lineup against Brooklyn on Tuesday night and a loss to Philadelphia on Thursday. Davis had 31 points on 14-of-21 shooting from the field in a 105-87 loss. LeBron James didn’t play in that game because of a knee issue and his status is uncertain for Friday night.

That’s why the Lakers enter as three-possession underdogs. Davis is being asked to play his first back-to-back after his return and James may not go. If you’re looking to bet the game, we’re thinking over 228.5 could be in play even if the Lakers’ stars aren’t involved. Charlotte averages 114.9 points per game and gives up 114.6. That’s a good recipe for an over.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 25: LeBron James #6 of Los Angeles Lakers reacts during action against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michelle Farsi/Getty Images)

Memphis favored against Utah

The Jazz are 3.5-point underdogs against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. That matchup is the best of the evening as Memphis is third in the West and 2.5 games ahead of Utah in fourth.

The Grizz are 3-3 in their last six games after an 11-game win streak propelled them up the Western Conference standings. Utah is in the midst of a huge slide. The Jazz are just 2-9 in their last 11 games as Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert have been largely absent from the court.

Memphis is also way better than the Jazz against the spread. The Grizzlies are 32-18 against the spread this season — just a game worse than their overall record. Utah is 30-19 overall and just 21-26-2 against the spread. We like Memphis on Friday night as both Mitchell and Gobert could miss the game again. Mitchell, who has been in concussion protocols, has a chance to play on Friday night while Gobert’s return to the court doesn’t look probable.

Go obscure tonight in men’s college basketball

There are no Power Five games or games between ranked teams in men’s college basketball. It’s a great opportunity to bet some games that you wouldn’t normally pay attention to.

We like Boise State getting 1.5 points at Fresno State. The Broncos are 16-4 overall and 7-0 in the Mountain West. Boise State has won its last 13 games and could be ripe for an upset, but we are betting on the hot streak to keep rolling.

Your first opportunity to bet on Friday comes at 2 p.m. ET when Colgate takes on Boston. Colgate is a 1.5-point favorite at BU and has won its last four games. Boston enters on a three-game win streak after losses to Navy and Army in the middle of the month.

Third round begins at Torrey Pines

There’s a potential barnburner brewing at the Farmers Insurance Open. Jon Rahm and Justin Thomas are tied atop the leaderboard at 13-under through the first two rounds. Remember, the tournament began on Wednesday so it doesn’t go head-to-head with the NFL’s championship games.

Rahm (+700) and Thomas (+1400) entered the tournament as the two favorites to win and they are way ahead of the pack right now. Rahm is at +140 to win before the start of the third round while Thomas is at +250 to win. Cameron Tringale is the No. 3 favorite at the board at +1100 to win while Adam Schenk (+1800) is the only other player with odds better than +3500 to win.