The Los Angeles Lakers (31-28) are technically visitors against the Los Angeles Clippers (37-19) in Los Angeles. Although both sides are comfortable with the environment, the “home side” is receiving the courtesy home-court advantage in the spread. You could read this as a neutral court handicap.
However, the rivalry continues to mean a lot. Especially as the “away side” needs to start mounting wins. Although, today’s considered visitors lead the regular season series 2-1. But they aren’t necessarily looking as sharp as their opponent’s tonight.
Who prevails in the battle of Los Angeles tonight and takes momentum into the final stretch of the regular season with them?
Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles Lakers | +2 -105 |
O 235 -118 |
+110 |
| Los Angeles Clippers | -2 -115 |
U 235 -102 |
-130 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Los Angeles Lakers @ Los Angeles Clippers
Date And Time: February 28, 2024 @ 10:00 p.m. EST
Location: crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California
Key Stats
Los Angeles Lakers (Averages)
Points: 116.9
Points Allowed: 117.3
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.4/87.7 for 49.5%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 11.4/30.8 for 37.0%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.7/24.3 for 77.2%
Rebounds: 8.2 Offensive, 34.4 Defensive, 42.6 Combined
Assists: 28.0
Steals: 8.0
Blocks: 4.9
Turnovers: 12.8
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 44.0/93.4 for 47.1%
Three-Point Efficiency Against:14.2/37.8 for 37.6%
Free Throw Efficiency Against:15.1/18.9 for 80.0%
Rebounds Against:11.2 Offensive, 33.5 Defensive, 44.6 Combined
The Los Angeles Lakers hope to get into the playoffs without needing to play any single-elimination games. However, that remains difficult as they dropped crucial games throughout the season. Although they have a great tandem, this team has not been able to piece consistent streaks of good play together. Moreover, the aging greatness of LeBron James is a concern. Furthermore, Anthony Davis shows glimpses of his individual brilliance, but it often doesn’t come enough for this team. However, if they can compete against a team like the Los Angeles Clippers tonight, it could show that they are being slept on as a legitimate contender.
Los Angeles Clippers (Averages)
Points: 117.6
Points Allowed: 112.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 42.9/87.2 for 49.2%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.0/33.2 for 39.2%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.8/23.0 for 81.9%
Rebounds: 10.2 Offensive, 32.8 Defensive, 43.0 Combined
Assists: 25.9
Steals: 7.9
Blocks: 5.1
Turnovers: 12.3
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.7/89.2 for 46.7%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.6/35.2 for 35.8%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 16.9/21.8 for 77.8%
Rebounds Against: 11.2 Offensive, 30.8 Defensive, 41.9 Combined
The Los Angeles Clippers need to get a win tonight. Despite the spread indicating a close game, they have the overall better roster. Additionally, the expectations are drastically different for this side. The Lakers are considered a threat “if” they get into the playoffs, the Clippers are expected to make a run. Therefore, being able to play without Paul George tonight and winning is critical. Moreover, they still have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden who need to be able to carry nights of George misses for injury reasons, or in minutes on the bench.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tn9B4iwzS4o&pp=ygUVbG9zIGFuZ2VsZXMgY2xpcHBlcnMg
Game Prediction
While the line favors the Los Angeles Clippers, it isn’t nearly by enough. The Lakers are a poorly constructed roster that continues to rely too much on James. Furthermore, the Clippers need to not only beat this version of their rivals but also showcase their depth and ability to adjust. While they are a good regular-season team, the issues of playoff woes and untimely injuries will continue to hang over this team until they prove otherwise. Therefore, I am going with the “home team” against the spread. Additionally, the spread is too high and the Los Angeles Clippers defense will cause enough issues to prevent the total from going over.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Clippers -2 and Under 235
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
