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The battle for LA is tonight as the Clippers host the Lakers. It's time to continue our NBA odds series with a Lakers-Clippers prediction and pick.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are finally back in the win column after they narrowly defeated the Portland Trail Blazers last night 99-94. Anthony Davis scored 30 in the win and Carmelo Anthony notched 24 off the bench off of 5-6 shooting from beyond the arc. LA will look to make it two in a row on a back-to-back against the Clippers. The Lakers are (25-27) and are a half-game behind the Clippers. The Los Angeles Clippers are coming off of a loss to the Indiana Pacers 122-116 last time out. They are (26-27) on the season and look to get back on track against the Lakers.
Here are the Lakers-Clippers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Clippers Odds
Los Angeles Lakers: +3.5 (-110)
Los Angeles Clippers: -3.5 (-110)
Over: 220 (-110)
Under: 220 (-110)
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Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
According to our very own Tomer Azarly, LeBron James is doubtful to suit up against the Clippers tonight. The good news is that AD is listed as probable and will likely play on the second night of a back-to-back. LA's chances to cover this spread is a lot tougher without King James playing. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will be out for the Clippers so this won't be nearly as exciting as it could be. The Lakers just need to figure out how to score more points and they will get back on track. Their defense is fine, but offensively they are averaging just 105 points per game. In today's NBA, that isn't going to get the job done.
The Lakers are just 4-6 in their last 10 games. They have been outscored by an average of four points in those 10 games which is something we aren't used to seeing. These two teams face off for the second time this season. The Clippers won the first matchup 119-115 in a battle back in early Dec. Both teams are not very good against the Western Conference this season. The Lakers are 14-16 and the Clippers are 13-20. Something will have to give tonight.
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
The Clippers will need to find a way to contain AD and Carmelo Anthony. With the elite defense the Clippers produce, and the way Russell Westbrook has been playing as of late, it's going to be hard for him to have a consistent shooting night. The Clippers won't have to worry about him as much. Instead, they will focus on trying to not let Davis beat them inside. If Carmelo goes off for another game as he did last night, then the Clippers might struggle to defend all night. On the offensive end, Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris Sr. need to both play well or they won't be in this game.
In the Clippers' loss to the Pacers, Morris Sr. only scored nine points off 4-14 shooting. Jackson scored 21 and they saw Amir Coffey notch 27 points out of nowhere. Serge Ibaka will be tasked with trying to defend AD and they will really need him to try and disrupt his flow. The Clippers won't need to play perfect to cover this spread. They do need to play very well in the first half to keep up the momentum for the entire 48 minutes.
Final Lakers-Clippers Prediction & Pick
This isn't an easy one to choose. I like the Clippers at “home” in this one, however, as they seem to be playing better as a whole over the last 10 games. I expect this to be a close game but the Clippers pull away and win by at least four points.
Final Lakers-Clippers Prediction & Pick: Clippers -3.5 (-110)
