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NBA: Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview



The struggling Los Angeles Lakers will seek to bounce back as they face their city rivals, currently good basketball playing Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center.


Los Angeles Lakers


It’s just been an absolutely disastrous stretch for the Lakers in their last few weeks. Even with LeBron James back, this team just flat out suck right now to put it nicely. Lakers are now 30-33, 3 games below .500 for the first time since 2-5 start in October. Lakers are coming off back to back defeats during the weekend, the latter being to the 13-51, worst team in the NBA Phoenix Suns which ultimately is as low as you can get right now for the Lakers. Lakers are 4.5 games out of the Playoffs and it seems like they’re not going to make it unless they go on a hot stretch. Only positives right now is the play of Brandon Ingram and LeBron James is springing back to form, but the lack of bench production, shooting and BAD defense is the reason why the Lakers are playing so terribly. Going back to Staples is the only thing that’s good for the Lakers because at least there they’ve been somewhat respectable unlike when they go on the road. If the Lakers want to win, someone other than LeBron and Ingram will have to step up. Lakers are relatively healthy only missing Lonzo and Lance is questionable who by the way torched the Clippers last time with 20 pts so his energy might be something Lakers would need off the bench to win tonight and they’ll hope he can play. THIS IS A MUST WIN FOR THE LAKERS!


Injury Report


Lonzo Ball – OUT


Lance Stephenson – Questionable


Los Angeles Clippers


Clippers have been surprising in the last month. Ever since the Tobias Harris trade, everyone assumed they’d go into tank mode but instead have gone 6-4 in these games and have moved up to 7th with a 36-29 record and look firmly in the driving seat to make the Playoffs. The additions of young players like Shamet and Zubac has helped this team win games, but the most important reason for their success is the bench production. Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrel have especially been playing fantastic ball off the bench and you can make a case both are top contenders for the 6 man of the year award. Clippers have one of the best coaches in the NBA Doc Rivers which also helps to succeed. Clippers are a young, deep gritty team and right now they look like the best team in LA as Pat Beverley says. Bench is definitely the biggest advantage for the Clippers in this match up against the Lakers and if they were to win, it’s likely going to be due to the fact that their bench is far superior to the Lakers one. Lou Williams has been going off against the Lakers quite often in the past few years so expect him to have a big night tonight! Health wise, Clippers are also in good position. Mbah a Moute (probably) and Wilson Chandler are both out but they’ve been not playing for the Clippers during this stretch at all so it’s not a big deal.


Injury Report


Luc Mbah a Moute – Doubtful


Wilson Chandler – OUT


Betting Stats


Totals


Lakers have the worst total point over covering percentage this season at just 26.7% (8-1-21 this season) although they covered 2 straight overs in their last 2 games at home, they’re overall an awful team at covering overs. Total against the Clippers is 237.0 points. Lakers haven’t had a 237 total at home before, but they have had a 237.5 total twice against Milwaukee which they ended with an over in a 120-131 loss and Houston which they also got an over in a 115-124 loss, so despite a bad overall percentage at overs, they have been able to cover these high ones at 237/237.5 pts.


Clippers have covered just 40% of their overs on the road this season (14-21). Although they’re theoretically at home, it’ll likely feel like a road game considering there will be more Laker fans and the arena is in Laker colours tonight. Clippers haven’t had a 237 point total but the closest they’ve been to it was 236.5 point total against New Orleans TWICE covering the over in a 129-126 win and the other resulting with an under in a 116-109 loss.


 



Handicaps


Lakers have only covered 40% of their home Handicaps this season (12-18). Lakers are 4 point favourites despite their recent struggles. Lakers have had a -4 Handicap once before this season against Dallas which they did manage to cover winning the game 114-103.


Clippers have covered 51.4% of their road Handicaps this season (18-1-16). Clippers have had a +4 Handicap twice before in Portland which they covered winning 104-100 and in Sacramento which they also covered winning 116-109 in their last road game. They also had a very similar +3.5 Handicap in Houston ALSO covering it winning the game 133-113 so Clippers are pretty good at being small underdogs on the road.


Recent H2H in Los Angeles (Lakers home court)


All Lakers-Clippers games get played in Los Angeles obviously, this season they split these games with the road team winning each.


We’re going to look at the games played on the Lakers court this time. Clippers have dominated the Lakers on their own floor lately winning 8 of the last 9 times against the Lakers on the “road”.


Clippers beat the Lakers this season on the Lakers floor 118-107 earlier, however LeBron James did not play and Clippers had a lot of chances in the roster since. In that last meeting the Clippers covered a -5.5 Handicap while total 229.5 points ended with an under as teams totalled 225 points.


 


TIP OFF – 5th March 2019 – 3:30am UK Time

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