The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers collide at the Intuit Dome on Thursday night. Here’s a Clippers vs Lakers Prediction. This article will include a Clippers vs Lakers Pick.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t been at their best lately as they’ve dropped five of their last eight games overall. However, they are now aiming for a third straight victory after taking down the Nuggets in a solid 115-107 road win over the Nuggets on Tuesday. Luka Doncic led the team with a triple-double of 38 points with 13 rebounds and 10 assists. LeBron James tallied 19 points with nine rebounds and eight assists while Marcus Smart chipped in with 15 points, but no other player finished in double figures in scoring. As a team, the Lakers shot 51 percent from the field and 10 of 25 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Nuggets to start the game. They looked to be in deep trouble after allowing 71 points in the first half to trail by 16 points. However, the Lakers played much better defense coming out of the break and they dominated the second half by 58-36 to run down the Nuggets with plenty of time to spare in the end.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers have been one of the hottest teams in the league as they’ve won 13 of their last 16 games overall. They will be hoping for a better effort in this one after having their six-game win streak halted by the Bulls in a humbling 138-110 road defeat on Tuesday. James Harden led the team with 24 points and six assists, John Collins added 23 points on nine of 12 shooting while Ivica Zubac tallied 12 points with 11 rebounds. As a team, the Clippers shot 47 percent from the field and 10 of 30 from the 3-point line, but they weren’t anywhere near their usual standards on the defensive end. They allowed 45 points in the second quarter to trail by 21 points going into halftime, before they leaked another 36 points in the fourth quarter to get blown out on the road.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won each of their last six games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lakers have lost four of their last five games following a road win.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last six games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Lakers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last five games as underdogs.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers will win
- The Clippers have lost each of their last five games as home favorites following a loss.
- The Lakers have won six of their last seven games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents following a win.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games as home favorites following a loss.
- The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against Pacific Division opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Clippers’ last four home games following a road loss have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Fifteen of the Lakers’ last 20 road games following a road win have gone UNDER the total points line.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- James Harden has recorded 35 games with 6+ assists this season – most of any player in the league.
- Ivica Zubac has recorded 11+ rebounds in four consecutive appearances – longest active streak of any player in the league.
Los Angeles Lakers Player Facts
- Luka Doncic ranks 1st amongst qualified players for points per game (33.5) this season.
- Marcus Smart is one of only six players in the league to have recorded 7+ steals in a game this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Clippers rank 30th in the league for assists per game this season (23.5).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for free throw percentage this season (84.5%).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for opponent blocks per game this season (3.8).
- The Lakers rank 1st in the league for Q4 win percentage this season (69.0%).
Clippers vs Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are still missing Austin Reaves, while the Clippers have ruled out Derrick Jones Jr, Bradley Beal and Bogdan Bogdanovic with Kawhi Leonard listed as questionable. This is another game where you should check the lineups before tipoff given the injury cloud hanging over the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers have been one of the hottest teams in the league and they could have their best player back in action in time for this rivalry matchup. So, I’m not surprised to see them as favorites at home in this spot. The Lakers looked great in their comeback win over the Nuggets in their last outing for their second straight win, but these teams last met on Dec 20 and it was the Clippers who rolled to a 103-88 home win. You can make an argument for either side, but the Clippers have been the more reliable team lately and I think they continue their strong form with a win in this spot.