The Los Angeles Lakers will head to the Nation's Capital to take on the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night. It’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Lakers-Wizards prediction and pick.
Los Angeles has been reeling of late, going 2-4 in their last six games coming in. Washington has been one of the hottest teams in basketball down the stretch, winning eight of their last 10 games. Will the Lakers finally turn the corner now that Anthony Davis has returned?
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Lakers-Wizards odds.
NBA Odds: Lakers-Wizards Odds
Los Angeles Lakers -3 (-110)
Over 225 Points (-115)
Under 225 Points (-105)
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
The Los Angeles Lakers have fallen victim to horrible luck in 2021. Their extensive injury list is starting to shrink, but some key players like LeBron James are still sidelined for the foreseeable future. Some say that this may not be the worst thing in the world because a lot LeBron isn't putting as many miles on his body before the postseason. Los Angeles just hopes that he'll hold up when they need him most. This team has really struggled without him and they will pray he suffers no setbacks. Nevertheless, they'll have to survive another game without their star.
The Lakers have seen promising signs from their new center Andre Drummond. Drummond has started to find his footing with his new club as he registered a double-double in under 30 minutes in their recent win against Orlando. Los Angeles will need Andre to hit a stride down the stretch in order to alleviate some responsibility from Anthony Davis in the interior. The Lakers' second ranked defense in the league will have to slow the Wizards lethal offense down in order to secure the victory in Washington.
Why The Wizards Could Cover The Spread
The Washington Wizards have had a reversal of fortunes as they now look like a juggernaut in the Eastern Conference. After a dreadful start to the season, Washington finally got healthy down the stretch and are now starting to click as a group at the perfect time. The Wizards just had their eight-game winning streak snapped and are holding onto the 10th seed for dear life. They currently hold a one-game lead over Chicago for the last play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
Russell Westbrook has been the catalyst for this team during their recent run. He is currently averaging 21.8 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists on the season. With no LeBron on the other end of the floor, look for Russ to be the aggressor on the floor throughout this game. Westbrook and Bradley Beal (31.4 ppg) have become one of the premier back courts in the NBA this season and will look to pour it on against a depleted Laker squad. Washington is 5-1 in their last six home games coming in.
Final Lakers-Wizards Prediction & Pick
It is clear that the Washington Wizards have entered playoff mode down the stretch. There is great value for the Wizards here as three-point underdogs against a reeling and depleted Laker team. Washington is one of the hottest teams in the league and has been lights out at home recently. Feel free to take this moneyline if you'd like, but I'll happily take the three points that we are being given in this spot.
FINAL PICK: Washington Wizards +3 (-110)
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