Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (1/23/24)
After dropping 11 consecutive games to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Lakers have strung together two consecutive wins. Can they make it three even though LeBron James will be sidelined? Find out through our Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers predictions, betting picks, and matchup preview below!
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
After a brutally rough 0-5 start to the James Harden era, the Clippers have since gone 24-7 when he is available. Further, they have won 10 of their last 12 games overall and have the third-highest net rating in that span. Los Angeles’ team shooting split of 51/44/82 is also ludicrously impressive.
This extraordinary play was inspired by Russell Westbrook’s selflessness. He committed to coming off the bench after the Clippers lost their first five games with Harden on the team. Since then, it has been smooth sailing, as they are only two games out of first place in the Western Conference. It is wild to think that the Clippers seemed destined to be a play-in team at one point this season.
There is little doubt that the Los Angeles Clippers have had the Lakers’ number in recent seasons, too, holding an 11-2 record in their past 13 matchups. However, the Lakers have won each of the past two games, both of which came this season. Without LeBron James, can the Lakers find a way to string together a third consecutive win after dropping the previous 11?
It does not seem like the Lakers stand much of a chance without LeBron, especially against arguably the hottest team in the NBA. The Lakers have a 2-2 record without LeBron this season, with wins over Portland (six points) and San Antonio (three points) and losses against Utah and Minnesota. If you’re not getting the picture, here it is: the Lakers barely beat two of the three worst teams in the NBA with James sidelined.
Since Westbrook opted to come off the bench, the Clippers have had an offensive rating of 123.7 with James Harden. In that stretch, they have also gotten impressive play from Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Meanwhile, the Lakers have had issues on defense recently, holding a defensive rating of 119.7 in their past seven games.
The writing seems to be on the wall for D’Angelo Russell and possibly a few other Lakers players (there have been indications that they will be traded), so the motivation level against a scorching-hot Clippers team is likely not going to be there, especially with LeBron sidelined. The main challenge for us is seeing a LeBron-less Lakers squad keeping up with this Clippers offense that can put up points in such a hurry.
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction: Clippers -8.5 (-110)
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Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Best Odds
The Los Angeles Clippers are nine-point home favorites at Crypto.com Arena on Tuesday night against the Lakers. While it is technically a home game for the Clippers, both teams play their home games there, so it should be a somewhat even crowd.
The Clippers have Moneyline odds of -375 to win outright, while the Lakers are a sizeable +295 dog to secure the victory. The point total for this cross-town rivalry game stands at 229.5 points, with the Over and Under both holding odds of -110.
Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup
PG: D’Angelo Russell
SG: Austin Reaves
SF: Taurean Prince
PF: Rui Hachimura
C: Anthony Davis
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup
PG: James Harden
SG: Terance Mann
SF: Paul George
PF: Kawhi Leonard
C: Mason Plumlee
Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injuries
The Clippers recently suffered a hefty loss to their frontcourt, as Ivica Zubac sustained a right calf strain; he will be re-evaluated in roughly three weeks. Outside of Zubac, Moussa Diabate (right-hand fracture) is the only other player listed on the injury report.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will continue to be without Gabe Vincent, who underwent a knee procedure late last year; they will also miss LeBron James, who is nursing a minor ankle injury.
