The Los Angeles Clippers (32-27) and Los Angeles Lakers (37-21) will meet in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. The game will broadcast live on SportsNet LA and NBA League Pass.
The Clippers are 2.5-point favorites over the Lakers on the spread (Clippers -2.5), with the over/under set at 220.5 total points. The Clippers are -148 favorites to win outright, while the Lakers are +124 to pull off the upset.
Can the Clippers get even with the Lakers or will the good times keep rolling for the new-look Lakeshow with Luka? Let's get into my Clippers vs. Lakers predictions and NBA picks for Sunday, March 2.
Clippers vs. Lakers Picks, Prediction
Over/Under
My Lakers vs. Clippers best bet is on the Under at 220.5 total points, with the best line currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
Spread
My main pick for this contest is on the Under. However, I also lean toward the Lakers to cover the spread as a part of my same game parlay.
My Pick: Under 220.5
Clippers vs. Lakers Odds
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 220.5 -110 / -110 | -148 |
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 220.5 -110 / -110 | +124 |
- Clippers vs. Lakers spread: Clippers -2.5
- Clippers vs. Lakers over/under: 220.5 total points
- Clippers vs. Lakers moneyline: Clippers -148, Lakers +124
- Clippers vs. Lakers best bet: Under 220.5 (-110)
Clippers vs. Lakers Preview
The Lakers are rolling. The Clippers are 4-6 in their last 10 and .500 since January 1. This is not two teams battling at the peak of their seasons; it’s one team headed towards a serious run at a title and another headed towards another uninspiring exit.
This is also what’s called a Duplex Spot, where the two teams played within the last two days. Teams that were favorites and won and covered the prior game at home and are home favorites again are 53 percent against the spread in the second matchup.
Lakers Edges
I would love to explain how the Lakers are the No. 1 defense over the past month of basketball, since The Trade, and with Jaxson Hayes at center. But I can’t. It makes no sense. Opponents are shooting horribly from 3-point range in this stretch, so it’s easy to chalk it up as luck. The Lakers’ opponents’ expected eFG% was ranked 18th and their actual 2nd.
But for now, it’s working.
When the Clippers have faced opponents with a top-10 defense, they are 26th in offense and -1.8 in spread differential. They’ll struggle to score against normal teams and even more so vs. good defenses.
Luka Doncic is questionable with injury management. If he plays, the Clippers will struggle to keep up. Teams have been unable to take advantage of both Doncic and lineups with him and Austin Reaves.
LeBron James is also questionable and Austin Reaves is doubtful.
The Clippers have a huge edge with Ivica Zubac inside but Ty Lue never consistently goes to him in situations where he has an advantage. Meanwhile, if Doncic plays, he turns into a human supernova whenever he sees Zubac on an island.
Clippers Edges
Norman Powell is probable for this game and that’s been huge for them this season. With Powell, the Clippers are 27-18 SU, 26-19 ATS. Without Powell they’ve gone 5-9 SU, 6-8 ATS.
The Lakers have slid offensively while their defense has surged. If the defense goes back to the mean, the Clippers have the ability to win an ugly game.
Kawhi Leonard has been terrific and can be the best player in this game which is a huge edge.
James Harden struggled in the game Friday but typically doesn’t have bad back-to-back games.
- The Clippers are 10-17 SU, 13-14 ATS in a game after losing the last matchup this season.
- The Lakers are 21-16 ATS after winning the previous matchup against a team, and 11-5 when at home in the next matchup ATS.
Clippers vs. Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are likely winning if Doncic and James play, even with Powell back. They’ve been playing terrific ball and I don’t want to try and catch a falling knife. I also like the under. Both the Clippers on the road and the Lakers at home are under teams.
The line reflects Doncic and James being out but will move if they’re ruled in. You can wait to see if the Lakers play their stars and if they do, bet them before or after the move.
Meanwhile, the best bet now is the under. Both teams go under more than over in their respective home/away splits. If the Lakers are missing their stars, they’ll struggle to score. If the Lakers stars play, they won’t let the Clippers get easy transition scores.
Wait for more information but lean towards the Lakers and the under.
Best Bet: Under 220.5 (-110)
Same Game Parlay Picks
- Lakers +2
- Under 220
Parlay Payout: +238 — DraftKings
Lakers vs. Clippers Betting Trends
