Clippers Lakers Line
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Information
The Clippers owned a 39-19 lead after one period. An 11-2 run by the Lakers cut the gap to 41-30 after a 3-pointer by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope midway through the second quarter. The Lakers sliced. The Clippers gave up a 3-1 lead in a playoff loss to the Denver Nuggets. Tip-off is at 10 p.m. ET at Staples Center. William Hill Sportsbook lists the Lakers as three-point favorites, up from the opening line, while the over-under, or total number of points Vegas thinks will be scored, is 223.5 in the latest Lakers vs.
Date: 12/22/20
Time: 10:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Staples Center
TV Coverage: TNT
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Moneyline, Spread, Total, and Odds
Moneyline: Lakers -136 Clippers +116
Spread: Lakers -2.5
Clippers Lakers Spread
Total: 222 points
NBA Championship Odds: Lakers +270 Clippers +650
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Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers News and Notes
Despite the fact that this is the first game of the season, both of these teams are dealing with key injuries. Marcus Morris is currently listed as questionable for the Clippers, and he became an important part of their rotation after being acquired before the trade deadline last season. The Clippers increased their Net Rating by a ridiculous +17.7 points per 100 possessions with Morris on the court during the regular season, and the three-man combination of Morris, Kawhi Leonard, and Paul George outscored opponents by an average of +15.9 points per 100 possessions. That makes them one of the most lethal three-man combos in the league.
Morris was unable to suit up in the preseason due to knee soreness, and he will almost assuredly be limited if he does suit up vs. the Lakers.
Lakers Clippers Line Movement
On the Lakers side, newly acquired Dennis Schroder is questionable with an ankle injury. He tweaked his left ankle during a preseason contest and was held out of Friday’s preseason finale vs. the Suns. That said, it seems like he’s on track to suit up on opening night.
Schroder excelled as a sixth man for the Thunder last season, and he was one of three finalists for the Sixth Man of the Year award. He should fill a similar role for the Lakers this year and serve as the offensive focal point off the bench.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Pick
It doesn’t get much better than the Clippers vs. the Lakers on opening night. Not only do these teams share the same city and arena, but they are two of the best teams in basketball. Both teams are led by a dynamic duo that would be the envy of most teams.
The Lakers’ duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis was able to lead them to a championship last season, and they’re the current betting favorites to win the title in 2021.
The Clippers’ duo of Leonard and George ultimately fell short, but they remain two of the best players in the league. Not only are they gifted scorers, but both players are capable of playing lock down defense.
So who has the edge in this matchup? I’m going to side with the Clippers.
This should be a competitive matchup, but I think the Clippers have the edge from a motivational standpoint. They have a lot to prove this season after imploding in the playoffs, so this matchup simply means more to them. The Lakers are also coming off a grueling season that ended approximately just two months ago, so I would expect them to take it easy on their star players. LeBron has carried a tremendous workload throughout his career, and he’s entering his 18th season. The Lakers need to make getting him a bit more rest a priority this season, and he’s already talked about taking some games off during the year. It wouldn’t be a shock if his workload was limited in this contest.
Additionally, the addition of Serge Ibaka has the potential to make a huge difference for the Clippers. They spent the majority of last year searching for a viable starting center, and Ibaka fits that description perfectly. He can space the floor on offense and protect the rim on defense, which is something that none of their big men from last season were capable of doing. He raises the ceiling of this team immensely.
The Pick: Clippers +2.5