Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
The 2025-26 NBA regular season is barely a month old, and we’ve already seen enough exciting games and jaw-dropping performances to last an entire season. One of the more intriguing matchups on Tuesday’s NBA Cup group stage slate features a battle of Los Angeles between the Clippers and Lakers, two Western Conference teams trending in completely different directions at the moment.
With tip-off set at 11 p.m. ET, let’s get into the odds and betting trends, plus my predictions for this contest.
Clippers vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
These teams are extremely far apart in terms of public perception at the moment, but they’re not too different on paper, according to the market. The Lakers have been absolutely rolling of late and carry a 12-4 record despite missing LeBron James for the majority of the campaign thus far. Despite all of that, the odds point to this game being closer than some would expect, as the Lakers are just 4.5-point home favourites on the NBA odds, along with a posted total of 228.5.
The Lakers have been an against-the-spread darling this year, going 11-5 against the spread. On the other side, the Clippers are a lowly 5-12 ATS, and their games have predominantly played to the Over thus far (10-7).
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have not looked like a team that just went to the playoffs a season ago, particularly against high-level competition. After all, James Harden and company have recently suffered losses by 15 or more points against the Nuggets, Magic, and Cavaliers, which doesn’t bode well for Tuesday’s matchup against one of the top teams in the Association.
It was a tumultuous offseason for Los Angeles off the court, and it appears that the bad vibes have bled into the Clippers’ on-court play. While the Clippers do have Kawhi Leonard back in the fold for this contest, until there is proof of concept that they have righted the ship, I have to keep fading this team for the time being.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers got off to a shaky start to the 2025-26 campaign, and it looked like it was going to be a long season for J.J. Reddick and his team. However, they’ve been on an upward trajectory since then, having won eight of their last 10 games and rising to third place in the Western Conference. The Lakers offence has been a machine, and it all starts with Luka Doncic, as the star Los Angeles guard has averaged 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists.
Outside of Doncic, the other Lakers are performing well, even without the services of James for most of the season to this point. With that in mind, it’s hard to look away from the high floor of the Los Angeles offence (ranked eighth in offensive rating) in a game where it should hold an edge over the Clippers’ perimeter defence.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Clippers vs. Lakers?
This is a pretty compelling matchup on paper, one that the Lakers should be able to win and control if they play with focus and intention. Even though the Clippers have the talent to be feisty in this game, I just can’t get there with them to cover this fairly short number.
Even with the line being a bit shorter than what most would expect, I’ll still look toward the Lakers to win and cover this number in what should be a friendly crowd at home. The Lakers win this one 116-110.
LAC
LAL