When the Los Angeles Clippers play the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com arena, they will begin their season in the opposing team’s locker room. It’s time to make a prediction and choose for the Clippers vs. Lakers matchup based on our NBA odds series as they face off in Los Angeles.
Kawhi Leonard, who missed the previous campaign due to an ACL tear, will join the Clippers. Paul George is also back following a season marred by injuries. The Clippers nonetheless qualified for the play-in tournament despite not having both all-stars’ services. They now bring the same roster back with one important change. The Clippers’ focus in handling the ball will be John Wall, who recently joined with them. Additionally, it will relieve Leonard and George of some of the burden and allow them to play off the ball.
At the Chase Center in San Francisco, the Lakers were defeated 123-109 by the Golden State Warriors, the reigning champions. LeBron James finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and eight assists. Anthony Davis contributed an additional 27 points, six rebounds, and four steals. Final scorer Russell Westbrook had 19 points and 11 rebounds. The Lakers still have a lot of problems, though. They had 22 turnovers, five of which came from James, indicating poor ball handling. The starting five ended up with a total of 15 turnovers, which was sufficient to put some distance between themselves and the Warriors.
Last season, the Clippers swept the season series 4-0. In this series, the Clippers have also won seven straight games. The Lakers have performed better as the “away” team than the “home” squad over the past 20 games, despite playing in the same arena. The Lakers have a 4-6 record in their last 10 “away” games yet a 1-9 record in their last 10 “home” games. After a lengthy summer, the Lakers will be the official home team and will warmly welcome their supporters.
These NBA odds between the Clippers and Lakers are provided by FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Clippers-Lakers Odds
Clippers of Los Angeles: -5.5 (-110)
Lakers of Los Angeles: +5.5 (-110)
Over: 225.5 (-112) (-112)
Under: 225.5 (-108)
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
The Clippers are regarded by many as a potential NBA Finals opponent this season. In the end, imagine what they could accomplish if they were able to advance to the play-in tournament without their two top talents. The team last year was carried by other unsung heroes in addition to Leonard and George, the all-stars.
At power forward, Marcus Morris was a somewhat effective plug, and Ivaca Zubac contributed at centre. Reggie Jackson was ultimately one of the Clippers’ most spirited players. He also contributed significantly to a 111-110 victory over the Lakers last season, scoring 25 points and making the game-winning layup with 4.1 seconds remaining. Although Jackson is not an all-star, he is a great match for this scheme and is quite familiar with it. As a result, Wall, who is now a few seasons removed from being among the finest point guards on the planet, and he will share the backcourt. Wall has a history of injuries, so he’ll try to avoid any this year.
If Leonard and George are able to return to respective duties, the Clippers will win by the spread. The Clippers will also succeed if Wall can fit in and Morris, Zubac, and Jackson can build on their achievements from the previous season.
Why The Lakers Could Cover The Spread
Both the problems and the drama must be addressed by the Lakers. As a result, they unsuccessfully tried to trade Westbrook throughout the offseason. After falling to the Warriors, the Lakers now have to pick up the pieces.
James keeps producing but his errors are getting worse. His errors consequently resulted in some Warriors fast breaks and points on the other end. These days, James also doesn’t play much defence. Davis is also looking for his place in the world. Against the Warriors, he had a field goal percentage of 10 for 22 while missing all three of his three-point attempts. To reappear as the menace the Lakers used when they won the title two seasons ago, Davis must quickly improve his shot. Westbrook, meanwhile, made the majority of his shots, going 7 for 12 while also collecting 11 rebounds. He lost the ball four times, ranking second in turnovers. The Lakers consequently lack a bench. Their reserves scored just 24 points in all.
The Lakers will cover the spread if they can build a lead early. Subsequently, James and Westbrook must play a cleaner game while Davis has to hit his shots.
Final Clippers-Lakers Prediction & Pick
This should be won by the Clippers. However, the Lakers lost three of the four games by four or fewer points last year. When both these teams are healthy, it is usually a fight to the very end. The Clippers may win, but it will take them a full 47-48 minutes to do it.
Final Clippers-Lakers Prediction & Pick: Los Angeles Lakers: +5.5 (-110)
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