The NBA Cup takes center stage again tonight, with the Los Angeles Lakers tipping off their trophy defense against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs.
L.A. is on a three-game win streak behind some dynamic offensive performances, but my Lakers vs Spurs predictions signal a grittier, tighter contest here at Frost Bank Center.
Find out more in my NBA picks for Friday, November 15.
Lakers vs Spurs prediction
My best bet
Under 227.5 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
As well as the Los Angeles Lakers have played at home this year, we haven’t seen that same quality consistently on their travels — and this is a tough spot tonight against an improving San Antonio Spurs club.
With Victor Wembanyama and Anthony Davis looming in the paint, buckle up for some elite defense. Before Wednesday’s wild 139-130 win over Washington, none of the Spurs’ prior nine games had eclipsed tonight's total of 227.5, with six of those contests falling short of 220.
LeBron James is coming off a 35-point triple-double in midweek, but it’s not sustainable for the visitors to put that workload on him. Meanwhile, the L.A. offense has gone missing at times on the road, with J.J. Redick still trying to put his stamp on things. The Lakers finished with 110 points or fewer in three of their five outings on their recent road trip, prompting the starting line-up shift that sent D’Angelo Russell to the bench.
The Spurs are allowing the fifth-fewest points per game in the league (109.2), while L.A. ranks in the bottom third in 3-point attempts per game. That's a recipe for the defenses to step up, especially with no room for error in a tough NBA Cup group.
Lakers vs Spurs same-game parlay
Under 227.5
Austin Reaves Over 17.5 points
Victor Wembanyama Under 25.5 points
I’m all-in on Austin Reaves, who’s hit his stride after a quiet first week of the season. He’s averaging 20.2 points per game in November, with 18 points or more in five of his six contests.
His scoring next to James and Davis is so often the X-factor for the Lakers, and with AD tied up with the Wemby assignment, I expect Reaves to get rolling in this one. He missed nine of his 14 shots against Memphis on Wednesday and still reached 18 points. It’s asking a lot for Chris Paul to keep up with him tonight.
I’m also fading the Wemby points prop, despite his 50-point explosion against the Wizards this week. Davis is as good as it gets as a paint presence to challenge Wembanyama, and L.A. will force other San Antonio shooters to make the decisive plays.
While Wemby seems to have found his 3-point stroke, the Spurs are being careful with his minutes and he’s logged 31.6 minutes per game this month. Back the Lakers to keep the Spurs star in check tonight.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Lakers vs Spurs odds
Lakers vs Spurs live odds
Lakers vs Spurs opening odds
- Spread: Los Angeles -1 | San Antonio +1
- Moneyline: Los Angeles -115 | San Antonio -105
- Over/Under: Over 231.5 | Under 231.5
Odds courtesy of bet365
Lakers vs Spurs spread and Over/Under analysis
- The Lakers enter as favorites, having won six of the last seven meetings between these teams, though the Spurs have covered the spread in the past three matchups.
- Los Angeles has hit the 1H moneyline in 37 of its last 60 games.
- San Antonio is 5-2 at home this season, including statement wins over Sacramento and Minnesota.
- Both teams are coming off high-scoring wins, but it’s worth noting that Davis is dealing with a foot issue and Rui Hachimura is listed as day-to-day with an ankle injury.
- The 4Q Under has been a winning ticket in 53 of L.A.’s past 89 outings.
Lakers vs Spurs trend
San Antonio has hit the 1H Under in 32 of its past 49 contests. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Spurs.
How to watch Lakers vs Spurs
| Location: | Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX |
| Date: | Friday, 11-15-2024 |
| Tip-off: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV: | ESPN |
Lakers vs Spurs latest injuries
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