Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs Prediction, NBA Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers and San Antonio Spurs meet for the third time this season in a matchup atop the Western Conference standings.
San Antonio enters second in the West at 25-11, while the Lakers sit third at 23-11 and are trying to extend a three-game winning streak. The Spurs took the most recent meeting on December 10, a 132-119 NBA Cup quarterfinal win despite being without Victor Wembanyama. Stephon Castle’s 30-point performance in that game looms large as these teams clash again, this time on national television at Frost Bank Center.
Lakers vs. Spurs NBA Betting Odds
San Antonio is listed as a 7.5-point home favourite on the NBA odds, with the total set at 236.5. Both teams are on the second night of a back-to-back, but San Antonio returns home off a one-point loss in Memphis, while the Lakers travel after a win in New Orleans.
The Spurs are 21-13-1 ATS this season and 10-7 ATS at home, while the Lakers are a strong 12-6 ATS on the road. Totals have leaned over for Los Angeles all season (22-11), and both teams rank in the top seven in offensive rating, pointing toward another high-scoring contest.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers continue to rely heavily on Luka Doncic, who leads the NBA at 33.7 points per game and has torched San Antonio for 35 points in both prior meetings. However, this is a much thinner version of the Lakers. Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent are all out or sidelined, putting added strain on Doncic and LeBron James.
Los Angeles ranks just 26th in defensive rating and 23rd in turnover rate, issues that are magnified when their rotation shortens. While the Lakers are elite at getting to the free-throw line, depth and defence remain major concerns in this spot.
San Antonio Spurs
San Antonio is healthier, deeper and playing its best basketball of the season. The Spurs rank sixth in offensive rating and eighth in defensive rating, with strong balance across the roster. Stephon Castle has emerged as a key engine alongside the unicorn Wembenyama, who routinely averages a double-double, while adding the league-leading block rate.
San Antonio also dominates the glass defensively, ranking first in defensive rebounding, and its bench production has been a major edge, scoring 46 last time vs LA. Even with Devin Vassell ruled out, the Spurs’ depth remains a clear advantage at home.
NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Lakers vs. Spurs?
The Lakers’ star power can keep things competitive early, but missing key rotation players on the second night of a back-to-back is a tough ask, especially against a Spurs team coming off a loss.
Expect San Antonio to wear Los Angeles down late, similar to the December meeting, while the pace and shot-making push this game over the total. I’m taking the Spurs to win this one 126-116.
LAL
SA