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New Orleans Hornets vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Pick
The Los Angeles Lakers begin their quest for another NBA championship when they host the New Orleans Hornets on Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of the 2011 NBA Western Conference quarterfinals series.
Date/Time: Sunday, April 17, 3:30 PM ET
Venue: Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Broadcast: ABC
Money Line: Los Angeles -700 New Orleans +550
Spread: Los Angeles -10
Over/Under: 183
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The Lakers are going for a ‘three-peat’, which would be their second under head coach Phil Jackson. While the fine folks at ESPN have omitted the career accomplishments of Bill Russell in their promotional advertisements, making those without proper knowledge think that Kobe Bryant could equal some kind of record for championships seemingly held by Michael Jordan, the fact is that Bryant winning a sixth ring would move him into exclusive company with Jordan and Russell, along with several others. In fact, he would surpass Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and George Mikan for the most championships won by a member of the Lakers franchise.
Los Angeles has had an intriguing season. At times, they have looked lost and uninterested while at other times they seem totally locked in and unbeatable. The biggest questions about the Lakers in these playoffs will be whether or not they can turn it on when it counts, and whether or not they have enough gas in the proverbial tank to get through and win another championship.
Bryant has been his usual outstanding self. He finished fifth in the league in scoring at 25.3 points per game, shooting 45.1 percent from the floor, and 32.3 percent from three-point range. Pau Gasol was second on the team at 18.9 PPG, while Lamar Odom (14.4) and Andrew Bynum (11.3) also averaged double figures for the season. Bynum will need to be healthy if the Lakers are going to withstand teams with size.
Meanwhile, the Hornets look to pull a stunning first-round upset. Chris Paul is their unquestioned leader. The point guard finished second on the team in points per game at 15.9, while leading in assists at 9.8 per contest. David West led the Hornets in scoring, averaging 18.9 per game for the season.
New Orleans has balanced scoring. In addition to West and Paul, four players averaged double digits for the season in points: Carl Landry (11.8), former Laker Trevor Ariza (11.0), Marco Belinelli (10.5), and Emeka Okafor (10.3). They also provide an interesting match-up for the Lakers because of their size.
The odds makers have the Los Angeles Lakers as a -10 point favorite with an over/under of 183.
Check out the latest NBA Basketball Playoff Odds here.
Matt’s Free Prediction: Lakers – While some are trying to sell this is a series that could go long, these are the Lakers, and it is the post-season. They’ve handled New Orleans easily this season, and this series, starting with this game, should be no different.
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Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Hornets 2011 Playoff Schedule
Game 1: Sun. April 17: New Orleans @ Los Angeles – 12:30 pm EST on ABC
Game 2: Wed. April 20: New Orleans @ Los Angeles – 7:30 pm EST on TNT
Game 3: Fri. April 22: Los Angeles @ New Orleans – 6:30 pm EST on ESPN
Game 4: Sun. April 24: Los Angeles @ New Orleans – 6:30 pm EST on TNT
Game 5: Tue. April 26: New Orleans @ Los Angeles – TBD
*Game 6: Thu. April 28: Los Angeles @ New Orleans – TBD
*Game 7: Sat. April 30: New Orleans @ Los Angeles – TBD
* If necessary
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