San Antonio Spurs Vs. Los Angeles Lakers
1/9/13 Steve’s Free NBA Basketball Pick Against the Spread
The Los Angeles Lakers will have their work cut out for them on Wednesday as the Lakers head to San Antonio to face the Spurs.
The San Antonio Spurs are one of the better teams in the league again this season as the Spurs are sitting at 27-10 on the season thus far. The Spurs currently lead the Southwest division by 2.5 games over the Grizzlies, but the Spurs did fall in their last outing, getting beat by the Hornets 95-88 on Monday in New Orleans. The Spurs have both a top ten scoring offense and scoring defense, allowing just 96.6 points per game on the year, while scoring an average of 104.9.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the biggest disappointments in awhile in the NBA as the Lakers are just 15-19 on the year so far. The Lakers are falling further and further back in the Pacific division, trailing the Clippers by 11.5 games and the Warriors by 7.5 games. The Lakers still have one of the best offenses around, scoring better than 103 points per game, with Kobe leading the way with over 30 points per game on average. Where the Lakers are struggling is on the defensive end of the court where Los Angeles is allowing better than 101 points per game on the year.
The Spurs are a very profitable play once again this season as the Spurs are 22-14-1 on the year, while going 10-5-1 against the spread at home. The Lakers are just 13-20-1 ATS on the year, and while on the road, Los Angeles is just 5-10-1 against the spread.
My play here is on the Lakers. I've looked hard at the total, and if you are a totals player the under could be an option, but I think the strongest play here is on the Lakers. This is a game in which Los Angeles could potentially use to rebound their season. I don't know if that will be the case or not, but I do like the Lakers to come out focused and amped up for this one. I am a bit concerned that Los Angeles just played a tough game last night against the Rockets, but the Lakers have played well this season off of no rest. I don't know if Los Angeles has the defense to get a win against the Spurs, but getting 13.5 points with Kobe and company is hard to pass up, even in San Antonio.
Steve’s Pick: Los Angeles +13.5
