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The LA Lakers and the LA Clippers will reignite their rivalry at the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles on Saturday. It will mark their second meeting of the season, with the Lakers securing a 135-118 win in the first matchup.
Both teams enter this contest following contrasting results in their previous games. The Lakers recorded a 143-135 win over the Utah Jazz, while the Clippers suffered a 122-101 loss to the OKC Thunder.
The victory kept the Lakers at 19–7 and firmly in fourth place in the Western Conference, while the loss saw the Clippers fall to 6–21 and slip to 14th in the standings.
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With the purple and gold boasting an impressive 12–3 road record, they will look to build on that run against a Clippers side that has struggled at home at 3–8.
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LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Preview, Odds, Betting Tips and Prediction
Moneyline: Lakers -135, Clippers +114
Spread: Lakers -2.5 (-105), Clippers +2.5 (-115)
Total over/under (o/u): Lakers o229.5 (-110), Clippers u229.5 (-110)
*Editor's note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off*
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers preview
The LA Lakers enter this matchup during a four-game road trip. After securing back-to-back victories against the Suns and the Jazz, the Lakers aim to extend this winning streak on Saturday.
Their strong performances this season can be credited to their impeccable offense as the Lakers boast the 8th-best attack in the NBA, averaging 119.2 ppg. However, their defense has been shaky, allowing 117.4 ppg, the 20th-best mark in the league.
Luka Doncic has been the main man for the Lakers, averaging 35.2 ppg and 9.1 apg. Meanwhile, his backcourt partner, Austin Reaves, has been a great secondary option, recording 27.8 ppg and 6.7 apg.
On the other hand, the LA Clippers have endured a difficult season. The loss to the Thunder marked their fifth straight defeat, with the team managing just one win all month, and has not won back-to-back games since October.
Unlike the Lakers, the Clippers have struggled on offense, averaging 110.9 ppg, the second-worst attack in the league. Though their defense has been better than their city rivals, allowing 117.0 ppg, it's still the 18th best in the league.
One of the few positives for the Clippers this season remains James Harden, who has been their best player, averaging 26.0 ppg and 8.1 apg. Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard has provided constant support since returning from an injury, recording 24.8 ppg in 15 appearances.
Both sides will be shorthanded for the matchup. The Lakers are set to miss Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Gabe Vincent, with Rui Hachimura listed as questionable.
The Clippers, meanwhile, will be without Bradley Beal, Derrick Jones Jr., and Yanic Konan Niederhauser, while Cam Christie is questionable.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers predicted starting fives
LA Lakers predicted starting five
PG- Luka Doncic, SG- Marcus Smart, SF- Jake LaRavia, PF- LeBron James, C- Jaxson Hayes
LA Clippers predicted starting five
PG- James Harden, SG- Kris Dunn, SF- Kawhi Leonard, PF- John Collins, C- Ivica Zubac
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers betting tips
Luka Doncic is projected to score over 34.5 points following his 45-point outing. He is averaging 35.2 ppg.
Kawhi Leonard is expected to score over 24.5 points. He is averaging 24.8 ppg this season.
Ivica Zubac is expected to collect over 10.5 rebounds. He is averaging 11.0 rpg.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers prediction
The LA Lakers are favored by 2.5 points in the spread, primarily because they are missing key players for this matchup. Although the Clippers may see this as an opportunity, the Lakers are still expected to secure a victory.
Prediction: Lakers to win by 7 points or less.
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Edited by Arian Kashyap
English (US)