Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers Preview (11/9/22): Prediction, Starting Lineups, Odds

The Los Angeles Lakers and Clippers will add to their decorated cross-town rivalry on Wednesday night. This matchup is the only one in the NBA where both teams are technically playing at home! Check out my prediction for how this game will go, as well as the current injury report, updated odds, and projected starting lineups.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds

The Los Angeles Lakers are 4.5-point road dogs against the Clippers at Crypto.com Arena; however, the Lakers will likely have as many, if not more, fans in the stands as the Clippers have, despite it being an away game. Obviously, this is because both teams play home games in the same arena throughout the season. Kawhi Leonard is the only Clippers player ruled out, while Thomas Bryant, Cole Swider, and Dennis Schroder still remain out for the Lakers. Anthony Davis and Lonnie Walker are listed as questionable as well.

Los Angeles Lakers Vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction

A horrendous 2-8 start for the Los Angeles Lakers could only be made worse by a plethora of injuries to their players. Currently, Thomas Bryant, Dennis Schroder, and Cole Swider are all listed as out, while Anthony Davis and Lonnie Walker IV are questionable to play against the Clippers on Wednesday night.

On Monday night, the Lakers got absolutely obliterated by the Utah Jazz, despite 29 points from Anthony Davis and 22 points from Russell Westbrook. While the Clippers are not playing anywhere near the level of basketball that Utah is at the moment, they are still a much healthier and stronger team on both sides of the floor.

To give the Lakers some credit, they have had a fairly decent output of effort on defense on most nights; they rank fifth in defensive rating, but that will likely drop after their game against Utah. Anthony Davis is a question mark right now and there’s no definitive answer on whether he will be able to suit up for the Lake Show.

The Clippers may not be offering much in terms of consistency right now, but they did flash some solid offensive moments against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Monday night’s narrow, come-from-behind victory. I expect the Clips to carry that positive momentum into Wednesday night and cover the spread.

Betting Trends

• The Lakers are 0-4 ATS on the road in 2022-23
• The Clippers are 1-4 ATS at home in 2022-23
• The combined over record of these two teams is 7-14 in 2022-23

Key Matchups

The key matchup in this game between cross-town rivals is LeBron James versus Paul George. There’s a strong likelihood that these two players defend each other for most of the game, especially with Kawhi Leonard listed as out. Check out further analysis of this matchup below!

LeBron James vs. Paul George

It’s no secret that the Los Angeles Clippers have won their past eight games against the Lakers. So, what’s the secret? Most of the Clips’ success has come from limiting LeBron James, who has posted roughly 22 points, nine rebounds, and six assists in his past nine games against them. The Clippers have done a tremendous job containing LeBron during that stretch, and Paul George is an integral part of that. George is one of the best defenders in the NBA; his hands are some of the quickest in the league, which makes it difficult to penetrate against him or put the ball on the deck too many times. Even without Kawhi Leonard to help switch on to LeBron on occasion, I will still give PG13 the advantage. Advantage: George.

Los Angeles Lakers Starting Lineup

PG: Kendrick Nunn
SG: Patrick Beverley
SF: LeBron James
PF: Troy Brown Jr
C: Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineups

PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Terance Mann
SF: Paul George
PF: Marcus Morris Sr
C: Ivica Zubac

Key Injuries

Los Angeles Lakers Injuries: Thomas Bryant (Out), Cole Swider (Out), Dennis Schroder (Out), LeBron James (P), Lonnie Walker IV (Q), Anthony Davis (Q)

Los Angeles Clippers Injuries: Kawhi Leonard (Out)