Charlotte Hornets - Brooklyn Nets

I will try a strong performance by JV tonight. The Lakers without Davis will be weak in the post, both Koloko and Hayes are not physically strong centers which will allow JV to dominate over them, and Sarr will not play, which will also give Jonas more playing time. There have been periods for Jonas where he has reached over 20 points in a game this season, including his recent 5-point game against the Kings. Playing against the Lakers, there will also be personal motivation, as there is a good chance that the future team will be the same.

The Lakers will play their third game in four days. LeBron doesn't seem to age and it's really difficult to keep up with such a pace, especially with all the away games. The most important thing here is that Anthony Davis won't be playing, who is the main support for the team at the moment. The Wizards are going through a tough losing streak, but such series always come to an end, especially in the NBA. There will definitely be a lot at stake here.

The Lakers will play their third game in 4 days. LeBron is not getting any younger and it is really hard to keep up with this pace, especially with all the away games. The most important thing here is that Anthony Davis will not be playing, who is the main foundation of the team at the moment. The Wizards are going through a tough losing period, but these series always come to an end, especially in the NBA. If the Lakers don't take advantage here, they should at least put up a fight.

Maybe it's foolish to go against the strongest underdogs in the league, but in this game I am more inclined to support the Lakers than the Wizards. Not only is Davis out, but there will also be a deficit in defense with both Finney-Smith and Vincent being absent, two players who were important parts of the previous game against the Sixers. The Lakers are not a deep team, which makes it difficult for them to perform. I am looking forward to a big game from JV, and I believe Poole will also bounce back after yesterday's disaster. Kuzma might play against his former team. I'm not sure how much the home court advantage will help, but there have been instances where they have played well against stronger teams (OT against the Knicks, nearly defeated the Suns, beat the Nuggets). I think there is value here, and there will always be extra motivation against the Lakers, even if they are not at their best.