Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers betting tips and predictions for Thursday’s NBA game on TNT. For the 4th time this season we have the battle of Los Angeles as the Lakers and Clippers meet up once again at the Crypto.com Arena. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
- Start date: 03.03.2022 at 10:00 PM
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers are actually coming off a 4-game win streak after beating the Houston Rockets 3 times and the Lakers once over the past 10 days or so. Although beating the last placed Rockets isn’t all that impressive, with the amount of injuries they are dealing right now the Clippers will take it.
In Monday’s 13-point win it was Ivica Zubac who carried the load by scoring 22 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in just 25 minutes of play. Reggie Jackson and Marcus Morris Sr. had 17 and 18 points of their own, they’ll need to step it up similarly in tonight’s game if the Clippers want to get anything out of this game.
If we look at head-to-head meetings the Clippers are currently on a 6-game win streak vs their cross-town rivals, they won the 3 meetings this season by 4, 1 and 3 points so I think it’s safe to say we’ll have another close outcome tonight.
Los Angeles Lakers
Everything is going wrong in Lakers land right now – from the team losing 6 of their last 7 games, to the players arguing with fans courtside to LeBron James and general manager Rob Pelinka sending mixed messages through the media and seemingly taking shots at each other.
And I haven’t even mentioned the injuries issues yet. Anthony Davis is expected to miss at least another month with an ankle injury and LeBron James is still bothered by his knee soreness which is why he’s listed as questionable for tonight’s game, however he should be ready to do.
His team will need him as they are just 1-6 SU in their last 7 games, on the road they’ve lost 6 in a row and against the Clippers in the last 7 meetings they’ve covered the spread just once.
Even with James in their line-up, it’s hard for me to recommend backing the Lakers here. They’ve been in all kinds of trouble lately, I think they’ll make it into the play-in tournament eventually, but tonight is not going to be their night. Back the Clippers who are on a dominant streak in head-to-head meetings.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Predictions & Odds
Two of the three meetings played this season have finished above the projected total of 218.5 points set for tonight’s game. However, it’s worth pointing out that only the last 3 of 10 meetings have finished over the total and the 2 teams are averaging just 213.9 points per game during that stretch.
The total for the Lakers has gone under in 5 of their last 6 games vs Western Conference opponents and in 5 of their last 6 overall. The Clippers have also leaned towards the under more often lately with that bet cashing in 4 of their last 5 games and in 6 of their last 8 vs Pacific Division opponents.
With Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Anthony Davis and Norman Powell these 2 teams have around 70 points per game out with injuries, which should reflect on both of their totals in tonight’s game.
Defensive efficiency has been a strength of both teams this season, the Clippers rank 8th in that category while the Lakers are 14th. I expect both teams to tighten up as we approach the final 20 games of the regular season. I’m going with the under in tonight’s game.
