San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction, NBA Odds
The Los Angeles Lakers’ struggle for consistency continued in a 107-83 drubbing at home against Minnesota Friday night. L.A. is set to host the Spurs on Sunday afternoon. San Antonio comes in fresh off a Friday night home loss as well, falling 123-109 to Dallas.
The Lakers opened as 2.5-point favourites to win on the NBA odds, with a total of 223.
Spurs vs. Lakers NBA Betting Odds
It hasn’t been a good year in San Antonio, as the Spurs sit near the bottom of the Western Conference standings with a 4-8 record. They’ve been a slightly better cover option, going 7-5 against the spread. It’s worth noting, however, San Antonio has failed to cover in five of their last seven games against the Lakers. The Spurs’ Over/Under record is polar opposite on the road compared to at home. They’ve gone Under the total in five of six road games and Over the total in five of six home games.
Los Angeles is squandering an early season home-heavy schedule. The Lakers have played 10 of their first 13 games in L.A., but are just 6-4 at Staples Center to this point. They’ve also been a terrible cover option, sporting a 4-9 record ATS. L.A. has only managed to cover in three of 10 home contests. The Over/Under has split evenly in their home games.
San Antonio Spurs
Sitting in the Western Conference basement, San Antonio badly needs a win after dropping four of their last six games. The Spurs actually led Dallas by five halfway through the first quarter Friday, before giving up a 13-0 run. They were never within four points after that. Devin Vassell led San Antonio with 20 points off the bench. Keldon Johnson and Dejounte Murray each had 15 points, while Doug McDermott had 14.
The Spurs scoring offence has actually been fairly competitive this season. They sit eighth in league scoring, averaging 109.9 points per game, and fourth in field goal percentage, shooting 47 per cent from the floor. Murray has been the biggest part of this team. He averages team highs in points (18.1), rebounds (7.7), assists (7.8) and steals (2.0). Defence has been the big issue. San Antonio gives up an average of 109.2 ppg, 23rd in the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are clearly struggling without LeBron James in the lineup. James, who has missed the last five games with an abdominal injury, is listed as questionable for Sunday. L.A. sits seventh in the Western Conference after their beatdown at the hands of Minnesota on Friday. Anthony Davis led the charge with 22 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, while Russell Westbrook finished with 20 points and five rebounds. No other Lakers players hit double-digit points. L.A., who average the second-most turnovers in the NBA with 17.3 per game, turned the ball over 20 times against Minnesota.
Scoring generally hasn’t been an issue for L.A. Their scoring offence is seventh in the league, averaging 110 points per game. James averages team-highs in points (24.8) and steals (2.3). Davis is averaging 23.8 points and leads the team in rebounds (11.0) and blocks (1.3). Westbrook averages 19.4 points and leads the team in assists (8.5). The Lakers’ scoring defence is ranked 27th in the NBA, allowing 112.3 points per game. While James may or may not suit up on Sunday, you can definitely rule out Talen Horton-Tucker (thumb), Trevor Ariza (ankle), Austin Reaves (hamstring) and Kendrick Nunn (ankle/knee).