LA Lakers (48-13) at LA Clippers (43-19)
When: Sunday, March 8th, 2020
Where: Staples Center,
Los Angeles, CA
Time: 3:35 ET | TV: ABC
Opening Odds: Clippers -2.5/227.5
The Los Angeles Lakers really have already lost twice this season to the L.A. Clippers, and lost their first matchup with the NBA-leading Milwaukee Bucks earlier this season. So, Friday night’s 113-103 home victory over the Bucks was a huge confidence builder, and the team will now look for their first win against their Staples Center roommates on Sunday afternoon. The Lakers are coming off their best win of the season after downing Giannis Antetokounmpo and the league-leading Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night as 1.5-point favorites and improved to 10-1 straight in their last 11 games and 8-2 against the spread in their last 10. LeBron James is playing his best basketball of the season and has helped the Lakers pick up wins over the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and now the Bucks in the last four weeks. The team didn’t shoot well on Friday night but were spurred by an 18-0 run in the third quarter. The Lakers defense is allowing just 100.6 points per 100 possessions since the All-Star break – second only to the Milwaukee Bucks. The Clippers come into this game well rested having not played since Thursday night when they took down the Houston Rockets 120-105 as 1-point road favorites. The Clippers are are 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS in their last six games and they are fully healthy. They’re just 5.5 games back of the Lakers for first place in the Western Conference and they’re seeking a third straight win over their rivals.
James is still behind Antetokounmpo in the race for the MVP award, but he is starting to at least make it more interesting. James is averaging 30.4 points on 56.8 percent shooting from the field, 7.7 rebounds and 9.6 assists in seven games since the All-Star break. The Lakers are first in the Western Conference and a weekend with wins over Antetokounmpo and possibly one over Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers, would do a lot to boost his MVP case. The Lakers clinched their first playoff berth since 2013 with Friday’s triumph behind 37 points, eight rebounds and eight assists from James. Power forward Anthony Davis was just 10-of-24 from the floor Friday but managed 30 points and nine rebound. Lakers shooting guard Dion Waiters, who signed with the team on Friday, could make his debut Sunday. The Lakers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday.
The Clipper have played six straight games with the trio of Paul George, Leonard and Patrick Beverly all in the lineup. The three players have played together in just 24 games all season because of injuries and or rest. The Clips are outscoring opponents by 13.1 points per 100 possessions in the 469 minutes with those three all on the floor. Leonard is averaging 26.9 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.1 assists and scored at least 25 points in each of the last three contests. The Clippers last three victories have come against Philadelphia, Oklahoma City and Houston – all playoff teams. George continues to work his way into shape following a hamstring injury and recorded 13 points, nine rebounds and seven assists on Thursday. Center Ivica Zubac chipped in 17 points and 12 rebounds for his first double-double since Jan. 14. The Clippers will be at the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.
The Lakers might be in first place, but the Clippers are healthy and are probably the better overall team. The Clippers are also the home team here at Staples Center and will come away with a win and cover.
Check out who Bobby Babowski has on his Free NBA Picks page for Sunday. He is 71-56-3 on the season after a 11-5 run!
Pick: Clippers -2
Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games as a road underdog.
Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Lakers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 14-3 ATS in their last 17 games as an underdog.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Lakers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS win.
Lakers are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games playing on 1 days rest.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a favorite.
Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 when their opponent scores 100 points or more in their previous game.
Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Clippers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games playing on 2 days rest.
Clippers are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Clippers are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 games as an underdog.
Over is 4-0 in Lakers last 4 games as a road underdog.
Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 games following a straight up win.
Over is 4-1 in Lakers last 5 road games vs. a team with a home winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 13-4-1 in Lakers last 18 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 6-2 in Lakers last 8 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 10-4 in Lakers last 14 road games.
Under is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 when their opponent allows 100 points or more in their previous game.
Over is 5-1 in Clippers last 6 home games vs. a team with a road winning % of greater than .600.
Under is 6-2 in Clippers last 8 games as a favorite.
Over is 16-6 in Clippers last 22 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 overall.
Under is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 after scoring 100 points or more in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 games playing on 2 days rest.
Over is 5-2 in Clippers last 7 vs. a team with a winning straight up record.
Over is 9-4-1 in Clippers last 14 games following a straight up win of more than 10 points.
Lakers are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Lakers are 7-15 ATS in the last 22 meetings in L.A..
Under is 14-6-1 in the last 21 meetings.
Under is 9-3-1 in the last 13 meetings in L.A..
