NBA Picks and Game Predictions: NY Knicks vs. LA Lakers

New York Knicks (14-11 SU, 14-11 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (15-11 SU, 11-15 ATS)

When: Monday, December 18th, 10:30 PM (ET)

Where: Crypto.com Arena, CA, Los Angeles

TV: SN-LA

Point Spread: NY +4.5/LAL -4.5

Total: 227.5

Money Line: New York Knicks +156/-190

Notable Injuries

Knicks

• Mitchell Robinson (Out) Ankle

Lakers

• Anthony Davis (Questionable) Adductor
• LeBron James (Questionable) Calf
• D’Angelo Russell (Probable) Illness
• Christian Wood (Questionable) Illness
• Jarred Vanderbilt (Probable) Back
• Gabe Vincent (Out) Knee
• Jalen Hood-Schifino (Out) Back

Recent Form

The Knicks come into today with a 14-11 overall record and are 1-2 in their last three games. In non-conference play, the Knicks have gone 3-5 and are 11-6 against Eastern Conference teams.

Coming into today’s game vs. the Knicks, the Lakers are 15-11 overall and are looking to stay above .500. In Western Conference games, the Lakers are 12-8 compared to 3-3 in non-conference games.

The Historicals

The level of competition has been tight in the five most recent games between the Knicks and Lakers, with just -1 point per game separating the teams. New York has the ATS edge in this span at 3-2. A combined average of 223 points per game was achieved in these matchups, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

The Knicks recently showcased a strong offensive performance, scoring 122 points against the Clippers. This output exceeded their season average of 114.5 points per game. Leading the Knicks in scoring vs. the Clippers was Jalen Brunson with his 22 points. Julius Randle also added 22 points for the Knicks.

The Knicks’ defense is presently ranked 9th in the league, allowing an average of 111.8 points per contest.

For the season, New York is ranked 28th in fewest fouls per game. Teams are averaging 20.2 free throws per game vs. the Knicks and have an overall field goal percentage of 48.1%.

In their previous game, the Lakers’ offense finished with 115 points, which is right in line with their current average of 114 points per contest. Offensively, the Lakers have a season-long field goal percentage of 48%, which is 4th in the league In terms of three-pointers, they are 24th in percentage and 28th in three-pointers made.

The Lakers’ defense is presently ranked 12th in the league, allowing an average of 113.5 points per contest.

Opponents are hitting 51.7% of their two-point field goal attempts this season, and they’re also connecting on 37.1% of their three-point attempts.

Betting Trends

• Through their last ten road games, New York has an ATS record of just 5-5. However, their overall record was 5-5 while averaging 119 points per game.
• Through their last three home contests, the Lakers offense has averaged 120 points per game while allowing an average of 125. Los Angeles posted an overall record of 1-2 while going 0-3 ATS.
• Looking back on the team’s last five games as the underdog, the Knicks have a straight-up record of 2-3. Their record vs the spread in these games was 2-3.
• As the betting favorite, the Lakers have an ATS mark of just 6-4 in their last ten games. Los Angeles posted a straight-up mark of 8-2 in these matchups.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

Coming in as 4.5-point underdogs, I’m jumping all over the Knicks to cover in this one. The Lakers are coming off a bad loss to the Spurs, and I see the Knicks putting up some big numbers on offense, as the Lakers defense has been bad their past few games. My pick is Knicks +4.5.