The Los Angeles Clippers show off their swanky new digs when their former roommates, the Los Angeles Lakers, come to the brand-new Intuit Dome on Sunday night.
The Clippers bring momentum into this La-La-Land rivalry, riding a three-game winning streak which has been helped along by the return of star forward Kawahi Leonard.
Leonard has played just four games but scored 23 points in his last outing before sitting out the second of back-to-back games last week. He’s now had an extended rest and will be called upon to carry the scoring load with the Clippers potentially missing starters Sunday.
Here are my best NBA picks and predictions for Lakers at Clippers on January 19.
Lakers vs Clippers prediction
My best bet
Kawhi Leonard Over 16.5 points (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Kawhi Leonard played 24 minutes against the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday, finishing the game 8 for 11 from the field and 7 for 7 from the free-throw line for 23 points. It was the most floor time Leonard has logged in his four games back from injury.
The Los Angeles Clippers star forward is on a minutes restriction as he works his way into shape after missing the start of the schedule due to knee surgery. Wednesday’s workload was his largest, seeing an uptick from 21 minutes the three games prior.
Leonard comes into this clash with the Los Angeles Lakers well-rested and facing a scoring total of 16.5 points.
After taking Thursday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers off, the veteran has had four days to recover. He could need it considering the state of the Clippers’ starting five.
As of this morning, L.A. could be down James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac — all of which are listed as questionable for tonight. That’s the team’s three top scorers and a collective 60 points but more importantly, a combined 43 field goal attempts.
If all or some of those starters are sitting out, those offensive touches are going to trickle down to someone. That might as well be Leonard, who is starting to look like himself as his minutes increase.
Player projections for Leonard range from 16 points to 19, based on the 24 minutes he played against Brooklyn. Should his workload increase, so does that forecast. My number comes out north of 18 points for Kawhi, which should have the Over 16.5 points priced closer to -130. But you can find it at bet365 at -110.
That projection is without factoring in the additional offensive importance he could carry with the Clippers’ fellow stars sitting as well as the Lakers missing interior defender Anthony Davis, who is questionable for Sunday.
Lakers vs Clippers same-game parlay
Kawhi Leonard 15+ points
Kawhi Leonard 5+ rebounds
LeBron James 20+ points
Leonard is logging more minutes and could get a ton of touches with the Clippers’ starting five in shambles. My projection calls for at least 18 points.
Kawhi should also see an uptick on the boards, especially with both starting centers potentially sitting out.
If Anthony Davis sits out, LeBron James will be the driving force on offense and look to attack a banged-up Clippers team. His projections call for more than 20 points.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Cash your ML bets quicker with bet365's early win payout
Take advantage of the early win payout at bet365, where any pre-game NBA moneyline bet gets paid out as a winner if your team goes up by 20+ points!
Learn more about this feature, and all of bet365's offerings, with our comprehensive bet365 review.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Lakers vs Clippers odds
Lakers vs Clippers live odds
Lakers vs Clippers opening odds
- Spread: Lakers +3 | Clippers -3
- Moneyline: Lakers +134 | Clippers -151
- Over/Under: Over 216 | Under 216
Odds courtesy of bet365
Lakers vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis
• The Clippers opened as 2.5-point home favorites and that has jumped to -4 with rumblings that Lakers star center Anthony Davis could sit out.
• The total hit the board at 216.5 points and has dropped to 215 points, with several key scorers listed as questionable tonight.
• Covers Consensus shows 69% of picks siding with the Clippers as short home favorites while 66% of total picks are taking the Over in L.A. tonight.
Lakers vs Clippers trend
The Clippers are 9-3 SU and 8-4 ATS against the rival Lakers since the 2021-22 season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Clippers.
How to watch Lakers vs Clippers
| Location: | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California |
| Date: | Sunday, 1-19-2025 |
| Tip-off: | 9:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | SPECSN, FDSN, SN |
Lakers vs Clippers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
