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The 'Battle of LA' headlines the series of Sunday NBA matchups as the LA Lakers head to the Intuit Dome to take on crosstown rivals, the LA Clippers. This will be the first meeting between both teams since the Clippers moved to their new home at the start of the 2024-25 season. Both teams have had contrasting runs so far but are separated by just one win. The Clippers are placed fifth with a 23-17 record and the Lakers are a rung below with 22-17.
The LA outfits square off with wins on their back. The Clippers are on a three-game winning streak beating the Miami Heat and following it up with wins over the Brooklyn Nets and the Portland Trail Blazers. The return of Kawhi Leonard supercharges their two-way play and while the forward sat out against the Blazers, he is expected to face off against LeBron James making for a cracking contest.
The Lakers huffed and puffed their way to a narrow 102-101 win over the Brooklyn Nets. They also have former Laker D'Angelo Russell to thank for after the guard missed the game-winning attempt. What the Purple and Gold cannot botch up against the Clippers is their defense. The Lakers' shoddy efforts on the front minus Anthony Davis were seen against Brooklyn. For LA to pull off a win, they will need more from their top duo and Austin Reaves.
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With Lakers HC JJ Redick believing that Davis would be expected to play, much depends on the big to be able to contain the Clippers. The latter have been one of the more lethal defensive units in the league keeping their opponents less than 100 points more often than not. The Lakers will need to bring their A-game to build on the streak.
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LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips, Odds, and Prediction
The LA Lakers vs LA Clippers tips off at 9 pm ET. Local coverage will be on NBA TV, FDSSC, and SportsNet LA. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here are the odds as listed at the time of writing:
Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Preview
The question for the Lakers is whether their offense can rise to the occasion. They will need big games from LeBron James and Anthony Davis to get past the Clippers, while also having to counter the likes of Norman Powell who is having a fantastic season averaging 23.7 points per contest. Containing him and Leonard will be a task for the Lakers. Add the home support at Intuit, LA will have their hands full on Sunday.
The Lakers are 17th in scoring offense, averaging 111.5 points per game and 111.5 points per 100 possessions. They are 10th in FG offense (47.3%) and 19th in 3-point offense (35.3%). The Clippers are 23rd in scoring offense averaging 109.6 points per game and 108.4 points per 100 possessions. They are 13th in FG offense (46.85) and 12th in 3-point offense (36.5%).
The Clippers are an elite unit defensively. They are third in the league in scoring defense averaging 106.6 points and allowing a measly 105.8 points per 100 possessions. The Lakers are 15 places behind with an 18th-best scoring defense allowing 113.1 points per 100 possessions.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Predicted Starting Lineups
The LA Lakers have listed LeBron James (left foot injury management) as probable. Bigs Anthony Davis (right calf soreness) and Jaxson Hayes (right shoulder soreness) are questionable for the matchup.
Jalen Hood-Schifino (left hamstring strain), Jarred Vanderbilt, and Christian Wood (surgery recovery) are ruled out. Should Davis indeed return for the clash, the Lakers will go back to their usual line-up.
The Clippers will be without PJ Tucker (not with the team). However, they have some key names listed as questionable. James Harden (illness), Norman Powell (back soreness), Ivica Zubac (back soreness), and Kris Dunn (left knee soreness) are all listed in the questionable column.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Betting Tips
LeBron James comes into the contest with an o/u of -110/-105 on points. Anthony Davis is -115/-120 on points and rebounds, and Austin Reaves is -120/-122 on points and assists. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard is -106/-110 on points and rebounds.
LA Lakers vs LA Clippers Prediction
While both sides appear to be in form, the Clippers are a better team defensively, and that has won them games. The Lakers have appeared to be wobbly on both ends of the floor and just might be clamped by the Clippers on defense. Take the Clippers to win in a close contest.
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