With one NBA game scheduled for Wednesday, February 19, there’s still a prime opportunity to place your bets. DraftKings Sportsbook has some intriguing opportunities available. Let’s dive into today’s top picks:
Here’s the full NBA schedule for today’s game (all times Eastern):
- Hornets at Lakers, 10 p.m.
Hornets +12.5 (-110)
The Lakers, now with Luka Doncic in the fold, are still in the chemistry-building process. They are coming off two games against the Utah Jazz with Doncic in the lineup. The first was a double-figure victory at Crypto.com Arena, while the other was an underwhelming road loss. With the Lakers hosting the Hornets, Los Angeles has a chance to have a tone-setting performance on the first night of a back-to-back after getting a practice together on Tuesday.
While the Lakers are likely to win, it probably won’t be without challenges. Mark Williams was a trade target for a reason, but he will face off against Los Angeles in this one. The Hornets struggled during LaMelo Ball’s absence due to ankle soreness, but he’s probable on the injury report, so he’s expected to play. It remains to be seen if LeBron James will play, considering he’s listed as questionable with left ankle soreness.
Luka Doncic Over 26.5 Points (-110)
After returning from a calf injury, Doncic has shown flashes of his usual brilliance but was far less efficient than normal. He was coming off a six-week layoff from a left calf strain—the most extended injury absence of his career—prompting the Lakers to ease him into the fold by restricting him to 24 minutes or less for his first two performances.
Doncic has averaged 27.0 points, 8.0 rebounds and 7.5 assists in 24 games this season. He will improve his efficiency and volume in key areas as his workload grows and he becomes more comfortable after injury. Remember, Doncic still had a 32.1% usage rate in his first two games.
With no minutes restriction going forward, Doncic is expected to play more freely and hold a more significant workload coming out of the All-Star break. Given Charlotte’s defensive struggles, especially without Ball, Doncic is primed to reach the 27-point mark with an increased workload, continuing to solidify his fit with the Lakers. Doncic will naturally need to take on even more responsibility if James cannot play, which bodes well for his scoring total.
LaMelo Ball Over 31.5 Points + Assists (-110)
Ball has been the key player for the Hornets this season, and despite his recent injuries, he’s expected to carry a significant load in this game. With Charlotte struggling in his absence, he must step up and contribute as a scorer and playmaker. This is a solid bet to hit the over as Ball tries to spark his team against a tough Lakers defense.
One of the intriguing elements about Ball’s opportunity against the Lakers is that this defense is still integrating new players. If uncharacteristic breakdowns transpire, Charlotte has room to exploit. It only helps to have Williams in the lineup, giving Ball a rim-roller to leverage to create advantages for assist opportunities.
