NBA Predictions: Lakers at Clippers Best Bet 3/3/22

Los Angeles Lakers (27-34 SU, 26-35-0 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (33-31 SU, 32-32-0 ATS)

When: Thursday March 03 2022, 10:00 PM (ET)

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

TV: TNT

Point Spread: LAL +2.5/LAC -2.5(Opened at LAC -2.5 (BetNow)

Total: 218.5 (Opened at 218.5)

Money Line: Los Angeles Lakers 120/Los Angeles Clippers -140

Power Rating: LAC -4

Probable Starting Lineups

Los Angeles Lakers PG Russell Westbrook, SG Malik Monk, SF Austin Reaves, PF Stanley Johnson, C LeBron James Q

Los Angeles Clippers PG Reggie Jackson, SG Terance Mann, SF Nicolas Batum, PF Marcus Morris, C Ivica Zubac

Key Injuries

Lakers
D.J. Augustin: acquired (QUESTIONABLE) Avery Bradley: knee (OUT) Anthony Davis: ankle (OUT) LeBron James: knee (QUESTIONABLE) Kendrick Nunn: ankle (OUT) Austin Reaves: ankle (PROBABLE)

Clippers
Paul George: elbow (OUT) Kawhi Leonard: knee (OUT) Norman Powell: foot (OUT) Jason Preston: foot (OUT) Jay Scrubb: toe (OUT)

The Los Angeles Clippers host the Los Angeles Lakers in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:00 PM ET at the Staples Center.

Recent Form

The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game with an overall record of 27-34, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. Throughout the season, Los Angeles has struggled in their 27 road contests, sitting at 9-18. Over the Lakers’ last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. In this stretch, Los Angeles’s offense is scoring right in line with their season average, putting up 104.0 points per game. Combined, the Lakers’ last five opponents are giving up 106.0 points per contest. In this recent cold stretch, the Lakers are allowing an average of 111.0 points per game, similar to their usual rate of 112.4. In the Los Angeles Lakers’ most recent game, the team fell to Dallas by a score of 109-104.

The Los Angeles Clippers come into this game with an overall record of 33-31, placing them 8th in the Western Conference. So far, Los Angeles is above .500 at home, holding a record of 18-13. The Clippers have played well over their last five games, picking up 4 wins. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 111.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 106.8. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 114.0 points per contest. The Clippers come into this game also playing well defensively, holding their opponents to just 103.0 points per game. An improvement on their season average of 107.3. In the Los Angeles Clippers’ most recent game, Los Angeles took down Houston by a score of 113-100.

Individual Player Analysis

As Los Angeles travels to take on the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers’ leading scorer is LeBron James. Through 47 games, James is averaging 28 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 57.0% of his games. So far, the Clippers are allowing their opponent’s top scorer to surpass their season average in 51.06% of their games, placing them 19th among NBA defenses. On the other side, the Clippers will be relying on Reggie Jackson and his 16.7 points per game. However, if he hopes to add to this total, Jackson will need to do so against a Lakers defense that has been tough on their opponent’s top scorers. So far, leading scores have surpassed their season average at a rate of just 45.45%. This figure is good for a rank of 9th in the league.

Matchup Analysis

The Lakers come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 105.5 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Los Angeles is winning at a rate of 57%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 12.0 points. On the other side, the Clippers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 20 games as the better defensive team, picking up 12 wins (60%).

The Historicals

Heading into today’s matchup, the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers have met up for 3 games. In their last meeting, LA Clippers picked up a 105-102 win.

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How the Public is Betting the Lakers vs Clippers

54% are betting the Lakers against the spread.

52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 218.5

Betting Trends Worth Noting

• Lakers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games as an underdog.
• Lakers are 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 games vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
• Clippers are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
• Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.

Joe’s Pick to Cover the Spread

Heading into this matchup, the Lakers have dropped three straight games vs the spread as they deal with injuries and a lack of consistent of play. On the other side, the Clippers have managed to cover the spread in four of five games, even with an injury to newcomer Norman Powell. A key reason for this is their ability to defend, as they are the 6th rated team in opponent shooting percentage allowed. I expect the Lakers to struggle on offense as the Clippers pick up the win and cover the spread. Note: Don’t forget that we also offer free college basketball picks!