Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers betting tips and predictions for Saturday’s NBA game on ABC. The Lakers and Nets will square off in the 4th of the Christmas Day NBA schedule as the two teams battle at Crypto.com Arena. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
Brooklyn Nets
Unfortunately we won’t be seeing Kevin Durant in this game, but at least the Brooklyn Nets get back James Harden who has finally cleared the health and safety protocols. Both of them have been out for a while, but the Nets reserves were able to go 4-1 in their last 5 games without them. They are coming off a 100-93 home loss to Orlando, but with Harden coming back I doubt we’ll see them scoring 93 points tonight at Los Angeles. The Beard brings back the playmaking element they’ve been missing for a while now and although the roster continues to be decimated with injuries, having an MVP caliber type of player on your roster is always helpful. Nets are 8-1 in their last 9 road games and have beaten the Lakers 4 times in the last 6 head-to-head while covering in 4 of those games.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers have hit another low point in their season after losing to the San Antonio Spurs by 28 points at home on the final day of Staples Center. LeBron James put in another solid effort scoring 36 points, grabbing 9 boards and dishing 6 assists, but the Lakers defense was simply non existent as they allowed the Spurs to drain 18 threes. Russell Westbrook added 30 points of his own, however with 5 turnovers he basically ruined whatever good he did in that game for his team. LA continues to be without Anthony Davis who is scheduled to return some time in late January as he recovers from an MCL injury. They’ve covered only twice in their last 11 home games vs Brooklyn. At home they are also just 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games.
It’s been a struggle for the Lakers all season long so far and I don’t see anything changing any time soon. Both of these teams have been hit by the health and safety protocols, but the atmosphere around the Lakers is becoming very toxic lately, so I think the bet here is Brooklyn. Back the Nets to cover.
Los Angeles Lakers – Brooklyn Nets Predictions & Odds
Nets -1 Point Spread is available at -110 odds on bet365
When you allow an average of 120.3 points per game in your last 3 games, there’s really not much you can hope for. That’s exactly what the Lakers have done, their defense has been atrocious all season long. They’re giving up the 3rd highest amount of points per game at home at 112.9 per game and the total has gone over in 11 of 19 games played there. The Nets have trended towards the under a bit lately, but only because the oddsmakers have set very low totals due to players missing from their line-up. Against a Lakers team which doesn’t play much defense and a healthy James Harden back in the mix, I think we’ll see a productive night scoring wise. The Nets play at a very high tempo this season ranking 6th in pace, one spot ahead of the Lakers who average 101.6 possessions per game. Russ vs Harden is exactly the match-up I want to see on Christmas Day, it should be a fun game to watch with a ton of points scored. Let’s back the over.
Over 225.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
