The NBA kicks off its post-All-Star Break slate with a single-game NBA DFS Showdown between the Charlotte Hornets (13-39) and the Los Angeles Lakers (32-20) at Crypto.com Arena.

This matchup carries extra intrigue as it’s the first meeting since a botched trade that would have sent Hornets center Mark Williams to the Lakers in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and draft picks—a deal rescinded due to Williams failing a physical.

 

 

 

With a game total of 228.6 and the Lakers installed as 12.5-point home favorites, let’s break down the key Hornets vs. Lakers DFS picks.

NBA Odds Today: Hornets vs. Lakers Vegas Lines

  • Spread: Lakers -12.5
  • Over/Under: 228.6

Pace Outlook: The Lakers rank mid-tier in pace (14th), while the Hornets play slightly slower (18th). Expect a moderate tempo with potential for a lopsided score if the Lakers pull away.

Injury Notes: LeBron James (foot) is questionable, LaMelo Ball (ankle) and Mark Williams (conditioning) are probable.

 

 

 

Hornets vs. Lakers DFS Player Pool Breakdown

NBA DFS Captain Picks 

Luka Doncic (LAL - $15,900)

Through two games with the Lakers, Doncic averaged 15.0 PTS, 4.5 REB, and 4.0 AST in 23.5 MPG. With LeBron questionable (foot) and no minutes restriction, his role could explode to 35+ minutes and 35-40% usage. Charlotte’s defense (111.8 PPG allowed) is vulnerable, making him the top Captain choice. Chemistry with LA is still developing, but the upside is elite.

LaMelo Ball (CHA - $14,700)

Ball returns as Charlotte’s offensive engine. The Lakers’ interior defense gives him space to attack, offering a 40-50 fantasy-point ceiling. Blowout risk or rust post-injury could cap his minutes.

LeBron James (LAL - $15,300)

If LeBron plays, he feasts against a Hornets squad he’s historically dominated. Even with Luka Doncic on the floor his Usage is 27.7%, locking him as a Captain option is certainly a way to be different here today as the foot injury uncertainty clouds his status.

 

 

 

NBA DFS Utility Picks

Miles Bridges (CHA - $9,200)

Bridges should thrive facing Hachimura or DFS inside. As Charlotte’s No. 2 behind Ball, he could capitalize in transition. Efficiency against LA’s length is a concern, but the matchup boosts his outlook.

Austin Reaves (LAL - $8,400)

Reaves’ multi-category stats (21.5 PTS, 5.7 REB, 6.7 AST over his last 10) shine. He’s a reliable 30-40 fantasy-point producer, with added playmaking if LeBron sits. Steady floor with hidden upside. If LeBron is active, I’m a bit wearier as he has just a 12.6% usage rate with Luka Doncic on the floor even though that has translated still to 1.11 FP/Min.

Rui Hachimura (LAL - $7,000)

Hachimura starts at PF/C for 30+ minutes. He’s averaged 18 PTS in spot starts and faces a Charlotte frontcourt with no elite rim protector. Expect a 25-30 fantasy-point floor with breakout potential. Great value for the increased role.

Mark Williams (CHA - $8,600)

Back with the Hornets after a failed trade to LA, Williams is set to play and should own the paint against Hachimura or Hayes. His 11 PTS and 8 REB vs. the Lakers earlier this season is a baseline—expect more with a revenge narrative and favorable matchup. A must-roster.

Jaxson Hayes (LAL - $6,000)

Starting at center, Hayes has averaged nearly 25 MPG recently. He’s a 12-15 PTS, 8-10 REB candidate vs. Williams—a budget double-double threat.

 

 

 

NBA DFS Value Plays

Dorian Finney-Smith (LAL - $5,200)

With the Lakers, DFS fits into a 25–30-minute SF/PF role, especially if LeBron is out. His 3-and-D game complements Doncic and LeBron, and he’ll likely defend Bridges or Williams. Offers a 15-25 fantasy-point floor with rebounding potential. Affordable high-minute option with more upside if LeBron James sits.

Nick Smith Jr. (CHA - $4,200)

Charlotte’s thin backcourt (Mann, Miller out) could push Smith Jr. to 20-25 minutes off the bench. A punt play with 15-20 fantasy-point upside, especially if Ball’s minutes are limited. Cheap exposure to the Hornets’ offense.

Dalton Knecht (LAL - $5,600)

Knecht saw 17 minutes in his return to the Lakers’ rotation post-trade drama. A 3-point specialist with blowout potential, he’s a boom-or-bust option at low ownership.

Jusuf Nurkic (CHA - $5,000)

A high fantasy-point-per-minute player, Nurkic’s role is murky with Williams back and Moussa Diabate ahead of him. Still, 20 minutes could yield a double-double against LA’s frontcourt. Very risky because he could very well DNP.

KJ Simpson (CHA - $4,800)

Backup PG with 15-20 fantasy-point potential if Ball is limited. A low-cost dart throw for Hornets minutes.

Jarred Vanderbilt (LAL - $3,400)

Vanderbilt should see backup PF/C minutes, especially if LeBron rests. He’s competing with Alex Len (who played 22 MIN vs. Utah when Hayes was injured) for center backup duties—a situational value play.