LA LAKERS @ LA CLIPPERS (LAC -7.5, 220.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
LAKERS @ CLIPPERS 2/4/25
Despite the excitement buzzing around Luka Doncic's acquisition from the LA Lakers, he will not be making his debut on Tuesday much to the relief of the Los Angeles Clippers. This in-city rivalry game set in Inglewood, California sees the Lakers playing without Doncic since he was traded for Anthony Davis in a jaw-dropping swap that continues to create waves across the sports landscape even amidst Super Bowl week.
As Lakers GM Rob Pelinka expressed, moments of changes like these are the essence of sports. These are the moments that inspire fans and ring in new eras of greatness for franchises like the Lakers. Though Doncic won't be playing due to a calf injury since Christmas, his return looks imminent.
Regardless of Doncic’s availability, the Lakers continue to keep winning. Even without Davis playing the last two games for the Lakers due to an abdomen issue, the team managed to secure two road victories. Their most recent win saw them defeat the New York Knicks 128-112, where LeBron James scored 33 points as part of a triple-double performance.
The Doncic trade occurred on Tuesday post-midnight, with the Mavericks also acquiring Max Christie in addition to Davis. Now, both teams stand with 28 wins each. The Lakers sit in the fifth spot and the Clippers just a game behind in sixth place in the Western Conference. This means that tonight’s competition will be more significant than just battling for city supremacy.
As the Clippers gear up for the game, they are relieved to not have to face Doncic. He averages 32.6 points per game in the 18 games against the Clippers during his young career. It’s his highest average against any Western Conference team. The Clippers are coming off a 115-108 loss to the Toronto Raptors. LA returns home after Kawhi Leonard scored 25 points and James Harden will be back from a knee injury.
Despite missing their leading scorer Norman Powell because of hip soreness, Ivica Zubac's growth and competence on the court has been a boost for the Clippers. With a team-best average of 12.7 rebounds per game, Zubac's post contribution is garnering appreciation from head coach Tyronn Lue.
Get free NBA Picks and NBA Predictions for the top games on the weekly 2025 NBA schedule from JA Cavalier, one of the industry's premier expert NBA handicappers. J.A. Cavalier has been bringing the NBA betting community the best NBA free picks and predictions for nearly three decades. Visit daily for the best NBA moneyline and run line odds and game totals.
COACH RICK FREE PICK:
OVER 220.5
The Lakers are shorthanded now that Anthony Davis is in Dallas. Newly acquired Luka Doncic won’t play tonight, so for the Lakers to have a shot here they are going to have to score big. The Lakers were giving up 50 points in the paint per game and that was with Davis. The Clippers are 9th in paint points. Five of the last seven games between these two have gone Over the total. Both teams are trending Over as well. Four of the last five games for each team have cashed on the Over.