NBA fans are in for a treat as two of the biggest rivals in the NBA – the Lakers and Clippers, face off on 7:00 PM ET on Wednesday, April 5, 2023. It promises to be a thrilling contest as both teams boast a 41-38 record with just three regular season games remaining.
The Lakers will have to overcome a 3.5 point spread as they go head-to-head with the Clippers in their final matchup of the regular season.
MATCH PREVIEW
Wednesday’s game between the LAL and LAC is set to have significant playoff implications. It will be a game of playoff intensity as they both try to avoid the play-in tournament.
LeBron James comes into this game off the back of 37 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists against the Jazz to improve the Lakers record to 41-38. With a win against the Clippers, the Lakers could see themselves seeded outside of the play-in positions with only two games remaining in the regular season.
Clippers center Ivica Zubac described it as “the most important game that I’ve been in with the Lakers [and] Clippers”, with both teams sharing the same hallway at Crypto.com Arena.
Adding to the drama is Russell Westbrook’s first game against his former team since being traded away and then joining the Clippers.
The Clippers will be without All-Star Paul George due to a sprained knee, but guard Eric Gordon may play. Despite the Clippers’ recent success against the Lakers, coach Tyronn Lue acknowledges that tomorrow’s game will be different and stakes are high.
ODDS AND PREDICTIONS
The Lakers have won seven of their last eight games and will be aiming for their fifth consecutive victory after a hard-fought 135-133 overtime win against the Jazz on Tuesday.
Austin Reaves added 28 points and Anthony Davis had 21 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. Despite gaining a 14-point lead during regulation, the Lakers were forced to OT where they managed to secure the win, with James making the game-winning layup.
In contrast, the Clippers have won four of their last eight games and will be looking to avoid a third consecutive defeat after a 122-114 loss to the Pelicans on Saturday.
Kawhi Leonard led the team with 40 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while Westbrook scored 24 points and Zubac contributed 15 points on five of six shooting. Although the Clippers shot 49 percent from the field and 11 of 29 from the three-point line, they were unable to recover from an early 12-point lead by the Pelicans.
In terms of betting trends, the Lakers have a good record against teams with a winning record, especially when playing back-to-back games on zero days rest.
On the other side, the Clippers have performed well off the back of a loss, and will be looking to make a statement. However, the Lakers have been more consistent and have more to play for, making them a solid pick This game is likely to be close, so taking the Lakers and the available spread is a wise choice.
Spread: Clippers -3.5
Moneyline: Clippers -145, Lakers +130
Pick: Lakers ML
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