Los Angeles Lakers vs. Charlotte Hornets prediction, pick for Monday 11/10/25

We’re less than three weeks into the season, yet injuries have already become the main storyline for some teams — teams like the Hornets. LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Brandon Miller (shoulder) will each be in street clothes once again on Monday, as Charlotte squares-off with Los Angeles at 7:00 p.m. ET.

Can the Lakers continue their hot start and take advantage of a beat-up opponent? Let’s preview tonight’s matchup with the help of some of some odds and lines on the DraftKings Sportsbook.

Lakers vs. Hornets prediction, preview

The Lakers enter tonight’s tilt 7-3 on the season, but directly on the heels of a lopsided loss to the Hawks. In fact, due to a 26-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter, no Los Angeles starter stepped foot on the court for the game’s final 12 minutes. That meant that Luka Doncic was held to just 22 points, 11 rebounds and five assists in his 26.6 minutes of action. It’s wild that that can be considered a poor performance by any set of circumstances, yet that’s the type of campaign that Doncic is in the midst of. With LeBron James (sciatica) sidelined, Doncic has shouldered a monstrous load when available in 2025-26, averaging 37.0 points per contest with a league-leading 39.1% usage rate.

Austin Reaves has also improved his play in the absence of James, managing 31.1 points per game with a .654 true shooting percentage, but the former undrafted free agent has missed the Lakers’ past three contests with a right groin strain. Reaves is officially listed as questionable for tonight’s matchup with the Hornets. Los Angeles has been outscored by 3.3 points per 100 possessions since Reaves’ injury, yet the squad was also able to pick up a win in Portland without he or Doncic available. The Lakers’ tertiary cast has generally risen to the challenge this season, especially Deandre Ayton and Rui Hachimura. They’ll be needed again, if Reaves is unable to return.

That said, it’s not like the Hornets are all that healthy themselves. LaMelo Ball will miss his fourth straight game with an ankle issue on Monday evening, while former second-overall pick Brandon Miller has no timetable to return from a shoulder ailment suffered in the team’s second contest of the season. On top of that? Miles Bridges is now listed as questionable with back spasms. Bridges has been inefficient in 2025-26, but he’s been Charlotte’s No. 1 scoring option with Ball unable to play, averaging 20.7 points per game.

If Bridges sits, the likes of Collin Sexton, Kon Knueppel and Tre Mann will be forced into massive roles. Knueppel’s actually been fantastic in his rookie campaign, leading all first-year players in points per game (16.4) and shooting a notable 40.5% from three-point range. Still, he’s only got nine career games under his belt. Beating Luka Doncic would be a lot to ask, and it’s not like the Hornets have been stiff on defense this season, coming into the week sitting 24th in points allowed per 100 possessions (117.0).

Lakers vs. Hornets pick, best bet

Best Bet: Hornets Under 111.5 Points (-115)

The Hornets score 10.1 points per 100 possessions fewer when LaMelo ball has been off the floor this season. Now they’re also in danger of losing Miles Bridges to injury. I’m just not sure who’s going to score all these points.