2011 NBA Playoffs – Hornets vs Lakers Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview

2011 NBA Western Conference Playoffs – New Orleans Hornets vs Los Angeles Lakers Series Odds, Predictions, Free Picks and Preview: The two-time defending champion Los Angeles Lakers endured another tumultuous season typical of a Phil Jackson coached team. In typical fashion, the Lakers flipped a switch after the All-Star race, grabbing the No. 2 seed after making a brief push for the top spot. The Hornets on the other hand tailed off in the second half after coming out of the gate on fire. Losing forward David West for the season was a huge blow to the New Orleans offense and has the team limping into the postseason. The Lakers have been installed as a -2000 favorite(odds at SBG Global Sportsbook) to win the series.

Los Angeles was dealt a blow as well when center Andrew Bynum went down with a knee injury in the second last game of the season. Although the Lakers are familiar with playing without the oft-injured Bynum, they simply aren’t as dominant without the big man. That being said, Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom aren’t exactly pushovers in the paint. Then there is that Kobe Bryant guy that can close out games as good as any player in NBA history. The bottom line is that the Lakers are the best team in the league when they are firing on all cylinders, and they showed it in A two months following the All-Star break.

The Hornets are led by star point guard Chris Paul. Unfortunately, a knee injury has slowed him during the year and taken a serious toll on his scoring ability. West was picking up the scoring slack until he went down, leaving the unproven forward Carl Landry and 3-point gunner Marco Belinelli to provide some offense. Emeka Okafor is a quality big man, but he has always been known for rebounding and blocking shots more so than his scoring ability.

A lot has been made of the Lakers’ struggles heading into the playoffs, but as hit and miss as the team has been at times, these are the two-time defending champs. The might take a game or off along the way, but Bryant and company know what is at stake. Even if Los Angeles does give a half-hearted effort in the opening series, the Hornets aren’t a squad that can take advantage. Bryant’s legacy is on the line with every title he wins, and he is going to show up no matter what. As long as he can get one other player to step up, the Lakers will advance. Check the opening NBA odds for Hornets-Lakers Game 1 below.

Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers Win in 5 Games

NBA Playoffs Series Odds
Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Hornets
Los Angeles Lakers -2000
New Orleans Hornets +1400