Clippers vs Lakers Free Pick, NBA Free Picks, NBA Predictions 2/28/25
- J.A. Cavalier
- Feb 28
- 2 min read
LA CLIPPERS @ LA LAKERS (LAC -4.5, 220.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
CLIPPERS @ LAKERS 2/28/25
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers face off once again tonight. A fresh dynamic is set to be unveiled as Luka Doncic powers the Lakers lineup, while the Clippers are still navigating their rhythm since Kawhi Leonard's return.
The Clippers are sitting at just 2-3 as they navigate an eight-game road trip, but they will enter tonight’s game bolstered by their 122-117 win against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday. James Harden led the Clippers with 30 points including a game-changing three-pointer.
Leonard contributed 17 points and eight rebounds against the Bulls. He is averaging 16.9 points and 4.8 rebounds in the 17 games since he returned to the lineup. The Clippers have played 24 games since Leonard has been back. They are 13-11 in those 24 games. Harden notably shook off a slow start against the Bulls to drop 20 points in the third quarter alone.
Doncic is making waves in the Lakers camp, scoring 21 points in their 111-102 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves just last night. In his career against the Clippers, the averages are even more impressive at 32.6 points in 18 games. Despite just recovering from a calf strain, Doncic has been outstanding since he began playing for the Lakers.
LeBron James produced 33 points and 17 rebounds against Minnesota in spite of an apparent hamstring injury. With Rui Hachimura also succumbing to a knee strain, the Lakers will need Doncic's shooting ability more than ever tonight, despite a current drop in his long-range shooting percentage.
While the Clippers had previously dominated the rivalry with 11 straight wins, the Lakers have recently gained the upper hand. The Lakers have won four out of the last six games. James was instrumental in the Lakers' 122-97 victory during their last meeting. He scored 26 points. As for the Clippers, Norman Powell's status for tonight remains uncertain due to knee soreness.
The Clippers are 13-5 SU and ATS in the last 18 games against the Lakers. The Lakers are 10-2 SU and 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games. They have won 9 of their last 10 games at home.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
IVICA ZUBAC OVER 11.5 REBOUNDS
With the trade of Anthony Davis, the Lakers lack a dominant big that can clean the glass every night. Zubac is exactly that type of player and should have no problem collecting rebounds tonight against the smaller Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes. For the season, Zubac averages 12.5 boards per game and he’s gone Over tonight’s number in 5 of his last 8 games. He’s had four 15-rebound games among those five. In two of his last three games against the Lakers, Zubac collected 19 rebounds.
