Spurs-Lakers prediction, pick, how to watch
The San Antonio Spurs (14-33) visit the Los Angeles Lakers (22-26) on Wednesday night. Action Tips at 10:40 p.m. ET. Below we continue our NBA odds series with a Spurs-Lakers prediction, pick and how to watch.
San Antonio has lost two straight and eight of its last 10 games and sits 14th in the West. conference. Spurs have covered 49% of their games while 62% have exceeded the expected points total. Los Angeles was strangled by its long distance rivals last night and dropped to 13th place in the West. The Lakers covered 47% of their games while 54% overshot. This will be the fourth and final meeting between the two teams. LA have won each of the previous three matchups, two of which were decided in double digits.
Here are the Spurs-Lakers NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel
NBA Odds: Spurs-Lakers Odds
San Antonio Spurs: +7 (-112)
LA Lakers: -7 (-108)
Over: 243.5 (-110)
Minus: 243.5 (-110)
How to watch Spurs vs Lakers
Television: Bally Southwest, Spectrum SN
Stream: NBA League Pass
Time: 10:30 p.m. ET/ 7:30 p.m. PT
*Watch LIVE NBA games with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Why Spurs could cover the spread
San Antonio is one of the few teams firmly in “tank mode” as it holds one of the worst records in the NBA. That being said, the Spurs are no pushover – including beating the Nets last week before scaring the Clippers. San Antonio’s greatest strength lies within. The Spurs rank fifth in points in the paint (55.2 PPG). Despite their poor record, they continue to play traditional Spurs basketball with an emphasis on ball movement, as they rank third in assists (27.2 APG).
If Spurs are to cover tonight as significant underdogs, they will need a great performance from striker Keldon Johnson. Johnson has been one of the only bright spots on this list from San Antonio as he finds himself in the middle of a career year. The former first-round pick leads the team in scoring with 21.5 PPG. He’s been playing particularly well lately as he’s eclipsed 20 points in five of their last six games. Fellow countryman Jeremy Sochan has followed suit playing well recently. The ninth overall pick in last summer’s draft has had its ups and downs so far, but he’s doing well. Over his last four games, Sochan has averaged 16.3 PPG and 6.0 RPG while shooting 56% from the floor and offering excellent defense.
Why the Lakers could cover the spread
Despite losing to the Clippers last night, the Lakers have an excellent chance to cover tonight against a team they’ve already beaten three times this season. LA features a powerhouse offense that ranks fifth in points (117.1 ppg) and sixth in field goal percentage (48%). They do a great job in transition, ranking fourth in quick break points (16.9 PPG). The Lakers are truly dominant down low, ranking second in points in the paint (56.6 PPG) — somewhere they’ll likely emphasize against San Antonio’s latest interior defense.
LA will get a huge boost tonight as they welcome Anthony Davis back from injury. Davis is expected to return to the field after missing 20 games. Although the Lakers went 10-10 without him, they will be happy to have their star big man back in the lineup, albeit with a minute restriction. Prior to his injury, Davis was in the midst of one of the best seasons of his career. He averaged 27.4 PPG and 12.1 RPG while shooting 59% from the ground. While his attack has sorely failed, it is his defense that could prove most critical tonight. Known as one of the toughest inside defensemen in the league, Davis’ 2.1 blocks per game could be a major factor in their ability to cover a big gap at home tonight.
While Davis’ return may grab headlines, the Lakers will also be bolstered by the debut of Rui Hachimura. Hachimura was acquired from the Wizards earlier this week and should provide a spark to a thin Lakers roster. Prior to the trade, the former top-10 pick had averaged 13 PPG for the Wizards this season. A career 36% three-point shooter, Rui will look to provide outside shots for a Lakers team that ranks 26th in three-point efficiency. While his career has been up and down so far, he ended his tenure in Washington with one of the best games of his career. Hachimura drained three threes en route to 30 points against the Magic last weekend and will likely see a heavy offensive workload going forward.
Spurs-Lakers final prediction and pick
With Davis back and Hachimura making his debut, I love that the Lakers put on a show tonight and blast the Spurs out of the building.
Spurs-Lakers prediction and final picks: Los Angeles Lakers -7 (-108)