Last Updated Aug 30, 2021, 9:54 AM
Lakers at Clippers Preview
By Kevin Rogers
VegasInsider.com
Straight Up (SU), Against the Spread (ATS)
Betting Odds Breakdown
The Clippers opened as a 2-point home favorite with a total of 225.5.
Eye Test
The Lakers (48-13) made a huge statement on Friday night by knocking off the Bucks, 113-103 at Staples Center in a battle of the teams with the best records in the NBA. LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined for 67 points in the victory, in spite of the duo combining to shoot 1-of-11 from three-point range. The Lakers own a five-game edge over the Clippers for first place in the Pacific division, but the Lakers are four games behind the Bucks for the top record in the league.
The Clippers (43-19) have caught fire since struggling in mid-February by winning six consecutive games. Yes, the Clippers are still looking up at the Lakers in the division, but Doc Rivers is showcasing a healthy squad behind Kawhi Leonard (26.9 ppg), who has missed only one game since January 24. Paul George (20.9 ppg) has struggled to score recently by putting up 16 points or less in six of the last eight games, even though he posted 24 points in each of his last two home contests.
Current Form
Since losing to the Rockets at home on February 6, the Lakers have won 10 of their last 11 games overall, while posting a 5-1 record in their last six road games. Although the Lakers aren't traveling on Sunday with the game being played at Staples Center, they own the best road record in the league at 25-6.
The Clippers are looking to tie their longest winning streak of the season at seven with a victory on Sunday as L.A. has defeated four straight teams that are currently playoff squads. The Clips are coming off a successful two-game road sweep of the Thunder and Rockets, capped off by Thursday's 120-105 triumph at Houston. The Rockets were held to 7-of-42 shooting from three-point range, as the Clippers have limited five of the last six opponents to 105 points or fewer.
Head-to-Head
The Clippers rallied past the Lakers in the season opener as 3.5-point home underdogs on October 22 in a 112-102 victory. Leonard scored 30 points in his Clippers' debut, as they outscored the Lakers by 10 points in the fourth quarter after things they were tied following three quarters of play.
The two L.A. rivals met again on Christmas with the Lakers as the host team, but the Purple and Gold squandered a 12-point halftime lead in a 111-106 setback as 2.5-point favorites. James struggled from the floor by hitting 9-of-24 shots from the field, including 2-of-12 from three-point range for 23 points. The third matchup scheduled for January 28 was postponed to early April following the death of former Lakers' star Kobe Bryant just two days earlier.
Inside the Stats (Home/Away)
Points Per Game:
L.A. Lakers 114.6 (114.3)
L.A. Clippers 116.2 (118.1)
Points Allowed:
L.A. Lakers 107.0 (108.8)
L.A. Clippers 109.7 (108.4)
Home-Away Records
-- L.A. Lakers 25-6 SU, 17-14 ATS
-- L.A. Clippers 25-6 SU, 18-13 ATS
Situational (Vs. Pacific Division)
The Lakers are 8-2 SU and 5-5 ATS mark within the division with the two losses coming to the Clippers. This is the first time this season the Lakers are playing in the underdog role against a division foe.
The Clippers own a 7-3 SU and 6-4 ATS record against the Pacific division, as the three losses came to the Kings twice and the Suns. The 'under' has hit in four of five home games within the division.
Score Projection
TBA
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Betcha Didn’t Know
The Lakers have been fantastic in the underdog role this season by covering in seven of eight opportunities. In all seven covers, the Lakers won outright, including victories at Denver, Houston, Dallas twice, and Utah. <!--
NBA Expert Picks – Tony Mejia
Indiana opens the second of its season-long three five-game road trips in Denver and must be ready to face a challenging back-to-back since it will play in Salt Lake City on Martin Luther King Day. I believe his is going to be the Pacers’ best chance to grab a win given that they haven’t prevailed on the second night of a back-to-back in each of their last four tries. At first glance, this spread is awfully surprising given the venue and it’s clear that the books don’t expect the Nuggets to overcome the absence of point guard Jamal Murray, shooting guard Gary Harris and forward Paul Millsap. Best Bet: Indiana-->
VI Prediction Tool
The VegasInsider.com Prediction resource gives an edge to either team in eight specific categories listed above and there are instances where both clubs receive a positive edge (
). Depending on how you weigh the below factors could provide more reason to fade or follow those teams in your wagers.
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Total Talk (Over-Under)
L.A. Lakers: 30-31 (Away, 17-14 Over)
L.A. Clippers: 28-33-1 (Home, 15-15-1 Over)
The Lakers are riding a 10-4 'over' run in their last 14 road games, but have seen the 'under' cash in four of the past six contests overall.
The Clippers are 7-3 to the 'under' in the last 10 games, but the 'over' has been drilled in the past two home games with L.A. scoring 132 and 136 points in those wins.
