The Los Angeles Lakers visit the Brooklyn Nets on Monday night at Barclays Center. The Lakers (40-22) are second in the Western Conference, while the Nets (21-42) are near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. Los Angeles won the previous matchup between the two teams, narrowly defeating Brooklyn 102-101 on January 17.
The Lakers enter this game without LeBron James, who suffered a groin injury in their recent loss to Boston. Brooklyn is currently on a seven-game losing streak, with recent blown leads highlighting their struggles. Both teams will be looking to bounce back as they meet in this interconference matchup.
Lakers Preview – Doncic Leading the Way
With LeBron James sidelined, Luka Doncic will take on a larger role for Los Angeles. Doncic has averaged 24.7 points in 11 games since joining the Lakers in a midseason trade. He has scored at least 30 points in three straight games, including 34 points in their recent loss to Boston.
Los Angeles is 3-1 in games without James this season, showing they can compete even without their star forward. The Lakers are among the NBA’s best shooting teams, ranking seventh in field goal percentage at 48.0%. Defensively, they rank in the top 10 in points allowed per game and opponent field goal percentage.
Austin Reaves will also need to step up in James’ absence. Reaves has been a key contributor from the perimeter and has provided scoring consistency this season.
Nets Preview – Struggles Continue
Brooklyn enters this game on a seven-game losing streak and has struggled to hold leads. The Nets recently blew a 22-point lead against Golden State and a 17-point advantage versus Charlotte. During this skid, Brooklyn is giving up 117.8 points per game.
D’Angelo Russell has been a bright spot for the Nets, scoring 28 points in their most recent game against Charlotte. Cameron Thomas is also providing scoring punch, averaging 16 points per game this season. However, Brooklyn’s defensive struggles have been a major concern.
The Nets are 9-21 at home this season and will need a strong defensive effort to slow down the Lakers’ offense. If Russell and Thomas can deliver efficient scoring performances, Brooklyn could keep this game competitive.
Betting Prediction
The Lakers are favored in this matchup, and their strong form even without LeBron James gives them an edge. Brooklyn’s defensive struggles have been costly, and their inability to close out games has resulted in multiple blown leads.
Expect Luka Doncic to take control of the Lakers’ offense, while Brooklyn’s inconsistent defense continues to struggle. The Lakers’ depth and stronger defense make them the better pick in this contest.
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers -6.5 over the Brooklyn Nets in this battle of National Basketball Association teams. The Nets just cannot keep up in this one, despite no LeBron James for Los Angeles.
