After a painfully bad NBA All-Star Weekend, it’s safe to say that everyone’s happy that real basketball is back on the docket, even if it’s only one game. LeBron James, Luka Doncic (still shocking to write that) and the Lakers will play host to their almost-trade partners, the Charlotte Hornets tonight. We’ve got a game pick and a same-game parlay for the lone NBA show on Wednesday night, as well as a continuation of our NFL free agency preview.

Here’s what we've got today:

• Lakers-Hornets Same Game Parlay

• Lakers-Hornets Game Pick

• NFL Free Agency: Tight Ends Preview

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Lakers-Hornets Same Game Parlay

Normally, this game would be buried on the early side of the NBA Wednesday schedule. Instead, what should be a blowout will receive national attention. Regardless of the final score, there’s money to be made on some props, so let’s get into it.

Luka Doncic Under 27.5 Points (-122)

We smashed this bet in Luka’s LA debut, and we’re going with it again. Doncic is clearly still finding his footing with his new team, scoring 16 and 14 points in his two games in the purple and gold.

A week off will certainly allow him to play more minutes than he did before the break, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Doncic hit the bench early amidst a blowout. There will be a day this prop burns us, but it isn’t today.

Josh Green Over 7.5 Points (-111)

Green isn’t much of a scorer, but the scoring opportunities he receives makes this a good-looking bet. The forward has played just over 31 minutes per game over his last ten contests, a significant uptick against his season average. Across those ten games, Green has shot 56% from the field and 43% from three.

He’s got the hot hand and he’s got the opportunity to capitalize on it. Even with the return of LaMelo Ball, we can confidently include this leg.

LaMelo Ball Under 32.5 Points (-104)

Much of the reasoning applied to the continual fading of Doncic’s overs also works for Ball. He’s been on and off the court, last playing only ten minutes against the Brooklyn Nets. It would be a surprise to see him immediately jump back into the usage he sees when completely healthy, especially in a game that could get out of hand quickly.

Matchup-wise, this looks like a dream come true for Ball, but the Lakers will be smart enough to move Doncic away from Charlotte’s deadliest scorer. Austin Reaves, a decent defender, will probably draw the assignment, making life a little harder for Ball than it seems at first glance.

Lakers-Hornets Game Pick

One of the biggest moneymakers for Las Vegas every basketball season is the Lakers’ spread. As one of the most publicized, hyped-up teams in the league, Los Angeles often gets far too much credit on their spread. Luckily, this is not one of those occasions.

There are an assortment of reasons to fade the Hornets here. There’s definitely concerns about Ball’s ability to handle a full minutes load thanks to a long layoff of true game action. Charlotte’s second-best player, Mark Williams, is likely to play, but is dealing with lingering questions about his conditioning after failing a physical at the trade deadline. Both men could see limited game time, regardless of the score.

On the flip side, the Lakers have a lot going for them. Los Angeles has loved home court advantage, going 16-9 against the spread in the City of Angels. That record deteriorates, if only slightly, to 11-7 ATS as home favorites. Additionally, the Lakers are completely healthy for the first time in quite a while, coming off of a long layoff. Back Los Angeles to cover a hefty spread in this one.

NFL Free Agency: Tight Ends Preview

Any respectable fantasy football player knows that tight end is one of the thinnest positions, offensive or defensive, in the NFL. This free agent class reflects that perfectly. With only a few notable names available, the race to claim the best of them should be an intensely competitive, albeit short one.

1) Zach Ertz

2024 Stats: 66 receptions, 654 yards, 7 touchdowns

The fact that a 34-year-old Zach Ertz is the top option of this class should tell you all you need to know. Ertz, despite his career revival with the Washington Commanders in 2024, is an option of limited appeal. His best days as a blocker are behind him, and he’s probably only got another year or two in him before hanging up the cleats.

Despite all of that, Ertz proved he can bring a solid set of hands and high-level route running to the right team, of which there are several. Sean Payton is known to value a good weapon at tight end, and pairing a cerebral veteran with a second-year quarterback in Bo Nix could pay dividends for both men and the Broncos as a team. A return to the Commanders is also possible, and likely more appealing than Denver. Washington should only go up from last year, and the opportunity to add another ring should loom large for Ertz as the curtain begins to fall before him.

2) Mike Gesicki

2024 Stats: 65 receptions, 665 yards, 2 touchdowns

It wouldn’t be a surprise to see Gesicki get the biggest contract of the bunch this offseason. Sporting nearly identical stats with Ertz, the former Cincinnati Bengal has a few years of youth on his Commanders counterpart, reflected in his superior athleticism and speed. That difference should allow a team looking for firepower in the passing game to shell out a multi-year deal to Gesicki.

The Patriots have long coveted guys like Gesicki, and their almost-endless cap space could let them shoot out yet another tight contract. It helps that Austin Hooper will almost certainly sign elsewhere, creating an opportunity for Gesicki to snag work in two-tight end sets, a formation used more in New England than anywhere else. The Colts, who are currently set to start Kylen Granson at tight end, would love to provide Anthony Richardson with a reliable safety blanket, and have the cap space to do it. Gesicki should stay in the AFC with one of these teams.

3) Juwan Johnson

2024 Stats: 50 receptions, 548 yards, 3 touchdowns

Johnson is a consistent fixture of articles citing potential offensive breakout candidates. Miraculously, he’s managed to avoid a breakout, producing decidedly mediocre numbers throughout his years as a New Orleans Saint. Now, some other team will look to turn his combination of height, weight, speed, and hands into a successful tight end experiment.

Unfortunately, Johnson’s deficiencies as a blocker limit his market. The Chargers, who have a need at the position, will likely pass without a second thought because Johnson can’t fit himself into their run game. However, teams like the Cowboys and Packers, which each have established, well-rounded tight ends, could take a look at Johnson in an attempt to add some extra offensive firepower out of sets that use multiple tight ends.

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