The Los Angeles Lakers will technically be at home, although they’ll be the away team on Thursday against the rival Clippers. The injuries have begun to pile on for the Lakers, leaving them with little firepower heading into Thursday’s game. They do however have PF Anthony Davis back, who helped them steal a win from the Denver Nuggets a few nights ago.
The Clippers finally brought their losing streak to a close with a 105-100 win over the Toronto Raptors. Only down two players and have already clinched their playoff berth, the Clippers can really stick it to the Lakers here. With the playoff race heating up, every win is crucial, and the Clippers can snag one here against this battered squad.
The Clippers come in as the favored team for obvious reasons here, but the margin only sits at 6.5-points. Can Anthony Davis shoulder the burden of taking on their Western Conference rivals? Or are the injuries to the Lakers too insurmountable to overcome on Thursday?
With their backs against the wall, the Lakers look to take down the Clippers
The Lakers will be missing the most important player in the NBA when they take the floor on Thursday. Lebron James will be taking Thursday off and resting after only recently returning from a high-ankle sprain injury. With the burden on Anthony Davis to produce against the Clippers, the remaining Lakers will need to rally around the big man. They’ll also be missing starting Point Guard Dennis Schroder as he goes through Covid-19 protocols.
With the injuries to the Lakers roster, it’s obvious that their record against the spread would suffer. Over the last seven games, the Lakers have gone 1-6-1 against the spread. That alone has steered bettors away from taking Los Angeles at the books, and with Lebron James out for another game, it’s a smart move.
The Clippers looking for a big win against a notorious rival
These two teams faced off not long ago, and the Clippers left with a huge 104-86 victory. This time, the only player they’ll really have to worry about is Anthony Davis. But with Serge Ibaka out, the Clippers could struggle. Where they lack in defending Davis, they’ll likely make up for with their offensive prowess. The Clippers have the tenth-best offense in the league with a strong perimeter defense to match.
Even if LeBron James was in the lineup here, the Clippers would likely still be the favored team. The good news for bettors is that the spread isn’t so large that it should worry you. With the Clippers needing to only cover 6.5-points, they’re a pretty solid bet here.
Best team to take on Thursday night? Los Angeles Clippers -6.5
This honestly isn’t a risky bet at all. The last time these two faced, the Clippers were able to handle the Lakers with ease. Adding that Lebron James and Dennis Schroder will be out of the lineup only sweetens this pick. Be sure to get this one while it has such a small spread. Pair it with the UNDER if you’re looking to claim some more winnings, Los Angeles Clippers -6.5.
