Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers

The Clippers are fourth in the NBA defensively in points given up (108.6 per game), ninth in shooting allowed, and tenth at defending beyond the arc. The offense is 21st in scoring and 16th in 3-point shooting. They come off a 106-102 loss to these Lakers in a game that sailed UNDER 220. They've won four of their last five as a favorite. The Lakers are eighth in points given up (111.3 per game), tenth in shooting allowed, and eighth at defending beyond the arc. Fourth-leading scorer, starting guard Austin Reaves, left the last game with an injury and is doubtful. In addition, star Luka Doncic is listed as questionable with left calf injury management, as is LeBron James (ankle injury). The Lakers have gone six consecutive games UNDER the total, with the wagering value on the healthier Clippers to win a defensive duel. Take the Clippers/Lakers UNDER the total. 

This has become a big rivalry game as the Lakers and the Clippers square off tonight in LA. The Lakers have won 4 straight games and are a team that suddenly looks much better with Luka Doncic and LeBron James in the same uniform. The Lakers are just 1.5 games out of 2nd place in the West. The Clippers have been up and down most of the season and currently hold the last playoff spot at 32-26. The Clippers are not playing well right now as they are 2-9 ATS in their previous 11 games and have failed to cover their last five. The Lakers have covered nine of their last 12, and Luka and LeBron have looked great together. Make the play on the LA Lakers.

As mentioned, the Lakers were part of the mega-deal over the weekend (Davis for Doncic). I'm not so sure this is the right fit, as both Doncic and James need the ball in their hands, and they are more similar than they are complimentary. I think this move is more about the future than now for the Lakers. We won't find out tonight as Doncic is still out with a calf injury, and James is nursing a bad ankle and may just be given the night off to rest. The Lakers were just starting to play well, so we will have to wait and see what happens. The Clippers are 28-21 and holding down the No. 6 seed in the West. They have a great opportunity tonight against a shorthanded foe. Make the play on the Clippers.

The Lakers have won two of the three meetings this season although they are looking for payback for a 127-116 loss on Jan. 23 when the Clippers shot 59 percent overall and 52 percent on 3-point tries. The Lakers have won seven of 10 although they do come off a 123-113 loss at Phoenix on Sunday. The Clippers have lost four of seven after getting beaten at Sacramento 123-107 and they are just 1-6 ATS their past seven games. The Clippers also will be without Paul George, who is listed as out with a knee injury. The Clippers are 10-27 ATS playing on two days rest and 0-5 ATS overall their past five games as favorites. The Lakers have covered five of seven following a loss and they are 8-3 ATS against teams with .600 winning percentages. Take the Lakers as a Max Play.