NBA betting – a taste of playoffs in January

• Lakers vs Spurs betting: Spurs look to avenge playoff loss to Lakers
• Hornets vs Mavericks betting: Hornets topped Mavs in last postseason

The Los Angeles Lakers were the sportsbook favorites in the Western Conference to start the NBA betting season, and not much has changed as we approach the midway point of the campaign. But the Lakers face a daunting task in Wednesday’s marquee matchup, as they head to San Antonio to take on the Spurs.  New Orleans, supposedly Los Angeles’ biggest threat to the West crown, travels to Dallas.

Lakers vs Spurs odds – Wednesday, January 14 at 9:00 p.m. ET

This is the first meeting between these two Western powers since the Lakers dropped the Spurs in five games in last year’s Western Conference final. This will be the second half of a tough back-to-back in Texas for the Lakers, who meet Houston on Tuesday night, while the Spurs will be returning to action after a 105-98 loss to Orlando at home on Sunday.

Kobe Bryant went off against the Spurs in the West final, putting up 29.2 points per outing, but he got plenty of help from his team, while Tim Duncan had 22.4 points and 17.4 boards for the Spurs. However, a lack of secondary scoring sealed San Antonio’s fate.

Both teams are playing extremely well lately, so online betting players can expect a close game. The Lakers are a bit banged up, and you’d have to believe the Spurs at home on the back end of a back-to-back aren’t what Los Angeles needs to see. Bet on the Spurs.

Hornets vs Mavericks odds – Wednesday, January 14 at 8:30 p.m. ET

Both teams are playing better after slow starts, and this is the first time these two have met since the Hornets dumped the Mavericks in five games in the first round last year. The Mavericks had no answer for the duo of Chris Paul (24.6 points, 12.0 assists per game) and David West (22.6 points), but Dallas did itself no favors by shooting 40 per cent throughout the series.

The Hornets are coming off a loss at home to the Knicks on Monday, while the Mavericks had lost at Philadelphia and Sacramento before a trip to Denver on Tuesday. New Orleans should be a road underdog on the Hornets vs Mavericks line, but Dallas should be worn out after a road game against a tough Denver club. Bet on the Hornets.

For more on Hornets vs Mavericks betting tips, Lakers vs Spurs odds and other NBA analysis, make the Betting Edge a regular stop every day.

Craig Parsons is an avid sports fan, but his true love has always been basketball. Too short to realize his dream of playing in the NBA, he did the next best thing: sports betting and covering basketball for a living. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@betonline.com.