Lakers vs. Wizards Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Jeremy Perry
The Washington Wizards were entangled in a significant source of league-wide drama on Friday night but eventually sorted out the mess, and acquired Trevor Ariza on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll see them take the court for the first time since that awkward situation took place as they’ll host the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
The Lakers have won seven of nine but they haven’t been as successful against the spread. They’ve failed to cover four of their last six. They are just 5-11 ATS against teams with a losing record and 3-6 ATS in non-conference games.
The Wizards are and have been a train wreck all year as they’ve lost four straight and six of nine. They are 3-9 ATS against teams with a winning record and 2-6 ATS in games where the total is 230 or higher (as it is in this spot).
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers had a sour end to the work week as they lost to the Houston Rockets on Thursday night. They were wiped off the floor in Houston by James Harden, who scored 50 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and handed out 11 assists in a majestic triple-double. However, they quickly put that behind them by thrashing the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday night with a 128-100 win. The Lakers are now 16-6 since starting the season 2-5.
The main difference for the Lakers as been their defence as they are finally figuring out how to play together. They’ve allowed 106.7 points per game over their last nine contests. They ranked 23rd in the NBA in defensive rating in October but are up to seventh in their last seven games. Stifling a Wizards squad that is coming apart at the seams shouldn’t be an issue.
Washington Wizards
The Wizards were the talk of the town on Twitter on Friday night as they were part of a three-team trade with the Phoenix Suns and Memphis Grizzlies which had Kelly Oubre leaving the Wizards and Trevor Ariza joining Washington. That trade failed because of a ‘miscommunication’. The Wizards regrouped and found another way to acquire Ariza. He’s actually a solid piece for this team had things been going well but the front office has already made it clear that they’re willing to break this team down for parts. The Wizards are a pathetic 11-18. Ariza isn’t going to turn them into a contender – or even a playoff team – all of the sudden.
The Wizards may have talent but they aren’t showing much effort these days – especially on defense. They are ranked second-last in the NBA in defensive rating (112.7) and are second-last in defensive rebounds per game. They’re allowing 119.4 points per game over their last five and that’s not going to change on Sunday.
