Why the Clippers have the edge over the Lakers in the battle of LA

  • What: NBA Regular Season Game
  • When: February 4, 2025
  • Who: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
  • Time:  10:30 p.m. EST
  • Where: Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA)

As the Los Angeles Lakers gear up to face off against their city rivals, the Los Angeles Clippers, the betting landscape is buzzing with excitement. The Clippers are currently favored to cover the spread of 8 points, and here’s why that makes total sense.

First off, let’s talk defense. The Clippers have been on a tear lately, showcasing a defensive prowess that’s hard to ignore. They rank fifth in the NBA with an impressive 45.3% opposing shooting percentage.

This means they’re not just playing defense; they’re shutting down their opponents and making it tough for them to find good looks.

On the flip side, the Lakers are sitting at 19th in the league, allowing a 47.0% shooting percentage against. That’s a significant gap, and it’s going to be even more pronounced in this matchup.

Before we examine our picks, be sure to check out the best NBA Basketball Betting Sites.

Game Preview (Lakers vs. Clippers)

SpreadBetOnline Sportsbook ReviewBetUS Sportsbook ReviewBovada Sportsbook Review
LA Lakers +8 Points-112-110-110
LA Clippers -8 Points-108-110-110

The Lakers have been struggling with rim protection, and without a solid presence in the paint, they’re going to have a tough time against a Clippers team that’s been capitalizing on defensive lapses.

The Clippers’ ability to contest shots and force difficult attempts will be crucial in this game. With the Lakers’ defense faltering, expect the Clippers to exploit this weakness and put up some serious points.

In addition, the Clippers have been known to step up in high-pressure situations, especially against their cross-town rivals.

Los Angeles Lakers +8 PointsLos Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
★★★★★
-112
Bet now

The intensity of a Lakers-Clippers game always brings out the best in both teams, but the Clippers have shown they can handle the heat. Their recent performances indicate they’re ready to rise to the occasion and cover that spread.

Let’s not forget about the recent trades and roster changes that have shaken things up in the league.

The Lakers’ recent moves have left them in a bit of a flux, and while they may have made some headlines, it hasn’t translated into better on-court performance.

The Clippers, on the other hand, have been steady and focused, which is exactly what you want to see leading into a big game.

With the Clippers’ defensive edge, their offensive capabilities, and the Lakers’ current struggles, it’s clear that the Clippers are the team to back in this matchup.

They’re not just going to compete; they’re going to cover that 8-point spread and make a statement in the process. This feels like a tough spot for the Lakers, I think the Clippers win this one and cover the 8-point spread.

Los Angeles Clippers -8 PointsLos Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
★★★★★
-110
Bet now

Click here for more regarding the best NBA Odds in the league on games and other award races.

Total Points

if you’re looking to place a bet, the smart play might just be to take the Under on the total points. With both teams showing weaknesses in offensive rebounding, this game could be more about defense than scoring.

Total PointsBetOnline Sportsbook ReviewBetUS Sportsbook ReviewBovada Sportsbook Review
Over 220-110-110-115
Under 220-110-110-105

Let’s break it down. The Lakers currently sit at 25th in the league with a dismal 26.2% offensive rebounding percentage. This means they’re not capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, which is crucial for putting up points.

On the flip side, the Clippers are slightly better, ranking 18th with a 28.5% offensive rebounding percentage. While that’s an improvement, it’s still not enough to instill confidence that either team will dominate the boards and create a high-scoring affair.

In a league where offensive rebounds can lead to easy buckets, both teams’ struggles in this area suggest that possessions will be limited.

The Lakers, despite their star power, have been inconsistent on offense, often relying on their defense to keep them in games. The Clippers, while they have their own offensive weapons, have also shown a tendency to falter when it matters most.

Looking at the numbers, the Under 220 points at -105 odds seems like a solid bet.

The Lakers have had their fair share of low-scoring games, and with the Clippers also struggling to find their rhythm, it’s hard to envision a scenario where both teams light up the scoreboard.

The defensive intensity is likely to ramp up, especially in a rivalry game where every possession counts.

Under 220 PointsLos Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
★★★★★
-105
Bet now

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Tony Reyes

Tony is a pro sports journalist who dedicates most of his free time to watching the latest matches and games on TV. When he's not participating in sports-related activities or seeing his friends, Tony enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and basketball. In addition to being a sports expert, Tony has extensive knowledge of finances and accou...

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