The Los Angeles Lakers go for a fifth straight win when they take on the rival LA Clippers in a key contest in the Western Conference playoff race on Wednesday night. The Lakers are coming off an overtime road win over the Utah Jazz and sit in seventh in the West, losing a tiebreaker to the Clippers as they have the exact same overall record.
The Clippers have dropped two in a row and are sixth in the West, hoping to hang onto a playoff spot and not drop into the play-in tournament. This is going to be one of the top NBA matchups today, so let’s take a look at the game and determine how you want to do your Lakers vs Clippers betting.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers Information
Los Angeles Lakers vs LA Clippers
Location of the game: crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA.
Date and Time: Wednesday, April 5, 2023, 10:00 PM ET.
How to Watch: ESPN
Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers Recent Scores
The Clippers have dominated the season series thus far, winning all three matchups between the Pacific Division rivals. Of course, the last game between the clubs was back in late January, and the Lakers have made a multitude of roster changes since then.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers Betting Analysis
Los Angeles Lakers Facts to Know
The Lakers have been hot of late, especially since the return to action of forward LeBron James, who sat out a month with right foot soreness before returning near the end of March. In five games since being back, James is averaging 25.4 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.0 assists per contest.
The surge for Los Angeles has also come from forward Anthony Davis, who was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week on Monday. Davis averaged 38.7 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.0 blocks in three games last week, then followed it up with 21 points, 14 rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks in Tuesday’s win over Utah Jazz.
The biggest question is whether the two veterans will play in this game. The Lakers have been using the NBA schedule as a guide to playing the oft-injured Davis, holding him to just one game when they play back-to-backs. James played 38 minutes in Tuesday’s win, and he’s still working his way back from his injury.
LA Clippers Facts to Know
The Clippers have been having their own trouble keeping players in the lineup, with forward Paul George among the LA Clippers players that have been out. George is averaging 23.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 5.1 assists this season, but he hasn’t played since March 21 due to a sprained right knee.
Forward Kawhi Leonard isn’t among the NBA player stats leaders due to his 49 games of action this season, but he’s still one of the more dangerous players in the game. He’s coming off 40 points, eight rebounds and four assists in Saturday’s loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Leonard is averaging 23.7 points and shooting 51.3% from the floor this season.
Former Lakers guard Russell Westbrook is now suiting up for the Clippers, and he’s made an impact since joining the team. The 34-year-old is averaging 15.2 points, 7.8 assists and 4.8 rebounds in 18 games with the Clippers after playing 52 games with the Lakers this season.
Updates
The Los Angeles Lakers schedule could be the difference in this one, as the team may look to rest Davis to keep him healthy and ready for the play-in tournament and/or postseason.
Los Angeles is also dealing with a foot injury that kept guard D’Angelo Russell out of Tuesday’s win. His status is uncertain for this one, but whether he plays or not will definitely influence the Lakers vs Clippers betting.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers Betting Preview
As you’re making your NBA picks today, you can get the Clippers as the favorite in this contest, as they’re giving 4.5 points on a point-spread wager. You will get -110 odds no matter which team you take on that bet.
The NBA odds today have the Clippers listed at -190 on the moneyline, while the Lakers are +163. Though the NBA team stats show the Clippers near the bottom of the league in scoring, the over/under has been set at 231.5 points, with -110 odds on either side of that wager.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers Betting Prediction
The Lakers have been a different team of late as they try to get into the postseason without having to participate in the play-in tournament.
We think James and Davis will suit up for this one, which won’t be easy, but we like the Lakers to come out on top.
- When doing your Lakers vs Clippers betting, go with the Purple and Gold to get the victory in a high-scoring game.
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