The top two teams in the Western Conference restart NBA betting in style when the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers clash inside the bubble Thursday night.
The Clippers will miss some key contributors for this rivalry game, with Lou Williams in quarantine and Montrezl Harrell on his way back to the bubble. Patrick Beverley also runs the risk of not playing, coming out of quarantine Thursday. Those question marks have the NBA odds moving from Lakers -1 to -4.5 since opening back in late June.
These are our favorite picks and predictions for Lakers vs. Clippers on July 30.
Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers betting preview
Injuries
Lakers: Avery Bradley G (Out), Rajon Rondo (Out), Anthony Davis C (Probable)
Clippers: Lou Williams G (Out), Patrick Beverley (Questionable), Montrezl Harrell C (Questionable), Ivica Zubac C (Questionable), Landry Shamet G (Questionable)
Referees
TBA
Betting trend to know
The Lakers are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games as favorites. Find more NBA betting trends for Clippers vs. Lakers.
Against the spread pick
Injuries plagued the Clippers for most of the 2019-20 regular season and at times it seemed like the club was just trying to make it to the postseason intact, without much care of playoff seeding. Well, if Lou Williams’ strip club chicken wings weren’t evidence enough, the Clips may not be too worried about the eight remaining regular-season games.
With Doc Rivers’ focus on staying healthy and getting the full squad back together, as well as Kawhi Leonard’s struggles (9 for 38, 3 for 21 from 3-point range last two exhibition games), it’s tough to trust the Clippers right now – regardless of who’s on the other side of the court.
That so happens to be LeBron James and the Lakers. Los Angeles has had its own roster shuffle in the restart, losing Rajon Rondo to injury and Avery Bradley to the opt-out, but hasn’t skipped a beat with two strong showings in the final exhibition games.
PREDICTION: Lakers -4.5 (-110)
Over/Under pick
The Lakers and Clippers met three times before the COVID-19 shutdown, and all three games played Under the total. Those Over/Under numbers hovered between 223.5 and 226.5 – a nearly 10-point difference compared to Thursday’s total of 216 points.
Beverley is the Clippers' top defender and even if he does play, he’s not going to be anywhere near game shape. The Lakers found their scoring stride in the past two exhibition games – blowing away the totals - and have several players who can create buckets when the offensive sets hit a snag (we see you J.R. Smith).
The Lakers have posted shooting days of 49, 49, and 57 percent in the warm-up schedule and with the Clippers possibly missing center Montrezl Harrell, and 7-footer Ivica Zubac still getting back into shape, LeBron & Co. could find plenty of space to operate in the paint.
PREDICTION: Over 216 (-110)
Player prop
Lakers big man Anthony Davis is dealing with an eye issue but is expected to play in Thursday's game. Davis sat out the final exhibition game and has been quiet during the bubble scrimmages.
That could open the door for Kyle Kuzma, who could benefit from extra minutes if AD is limited. Kuzma scored 25 points versus Orlando on July 25 before sitting out the final exhibition versus Washington as a precaution with a tender ankle.
Kuzma scored only eight points in the last meeting with the Clippers back on March 8 but dropped 25 on the Staples Center rivals on Christmas Day, going 8 for 17 with four 3-pointers in just under 28 minutes.
PREDICTION: Kuzma Over 13.5 points (-122)
Clippers vs Lakers Betting Card
- Lakers -4.5 (-110)
- Over 216 (-110)
- Kuzma Over 13.5 points (-122)
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