Posted on
3/7/2008 5:58:45 PM
NBA Point Spreads – Surging Lakers Host Weary Clippers
By Eric Williams
The Los Angeles Lakers, (43-18 SU, 38-21-1 ATS, 29-31 O/U), have won 11 of their last 12 games while watching superstar Kobe Bryant go wild recently after deferring to his teammates nearly all season in an effort to get them involved.
While the Lakers have been beating opponents in every way imaginable, the Los Angeles Clippers, (20-39 SU, 26-33 ATS, 23-36 O/U), have found nearly every way imaginable to lose games this season.
The Lakers have won two consecutive games coming into this matchup, including a 117-105 road win over the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday and have won five straight home games by an average of 15.0 points per contest.
Despite their shortcomings, the Clippers managed to beat the Sacramento Kings 116-109 in double-overtime on Wednesday, snapping a six-game losing streak.
The Lakers have covered the spread in seven of their last ten games while the Clippers have gone 4-6 against the spread over the same span.
Here is a look at tonight’s key trends, followed by my analysis and NBA Betting Free Picks:
The Clippers are 4-1 ATS in their last five vs. NBA Pacific.
The Clippers are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games as an underdog of 11.0 or greater.
The Lakers are 7-0 ATS in their last seven games vs. a team with a winning percentage below .400.
The Lakers are 6-1-1 ATS in their last eight Friday games.
The Under is 6-1 in Clippers last seven after allowing 100 points or more in their previous game.
The Under is 9-1 in Lakers last ten games as a favorite of 11.0 or greater.
The Favorite is 7-3 ATS in the last ten meetings.
The Clippers are 2-5 ATS in the last seven meetings.
Analysis: Despite the high point spread in this contest, I like the Lakers to cover with another outstanding performance from Kobe and sidekick Pau Gasol as they try to embarrass their same-city rivals tonight. I also like the ‘Over’ in this matchup.
Basketball Free Picks: Lakers -15 Points/Over 207½ Total Points
10:35 PM EST NBA Lines
LA Clippers +15 -110
LA Lakers -15 -110
Over 207½ -110
Under 207½ -110
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