The Brooklyn Nets (19-33) challenge the Los Angeles Lakers (19-31) at Barclays Center. The game can be seen on YES Network at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday, February 2, 2018.
Brooklyn is a 1.5-point favorite on the opening line, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 217 points.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets ATS Prediction
The Lakers are hoping for a better outcome after their 127-105 loss to the Orlando Magic in their last game. Orlando’s 0.654 effective field goal percentage was their biggest strength over Los Angeles, who had a rate of 0.494. The Magic’s mark was above their season average of 0.518. Julius Randle was Los Angeles’ leading scorer with 20 points on 7-for-9 shooting.
In the Nets’ last game, they beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 116-108. Brooklyn’s 25.0 offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Philadelphia, who had a mark of 16.7. The Nets’ mark was above their season average of 21.9, while the 76ers’ was below their season average of 25.8. With 16 points and 12 rebounds, Brooklyn’s Jarrett Allen put together a solid performance.
When looking at effective field goal percentage, Brooklyn should have a significant edge. The Nets defense ranks eighth in effective field goal percentage allowed (0.510), while the Los Angeles offense is ranked 24th in effective field goal percentage (0.506).
Los Angeles heads into the game with records of 19-31 straight up (SU) and 25-25 against the spread (ATS). Lakers games have a slight tendency to finish over the total (54.0 percent).
Brooklyn has a respectable record ATS (31-20-1), despite being 19-33 SU. Vegas is known to place the total high when the Nets are involved, as 29 of their 50 games have ended under the total.
Jordan Clarkson and Randle have been playing well over the last five games for Los Angeles. Clarkson has averaged 24.0 points and 5.4 assists per game. Not to be outdone, Randle has recorded 17.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists a game during that span.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Brook Lopez scored a game-high 34 points in the first game, in which the Lakers defeated the Nets 124-112, covering as 3-point favorites. He also recorded 10 rebounds. The game finished with a total of 236 points, which was 8.5 points above the projected point total of 227.5 points. Los Angeles had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.559 vs. 0.456). Brooklyn, on the other hand, did a terrific job of getting and making free throws (29-38; 76.3 percent).
Los Angeles Lakers at Brooklyn Nets Pick
Free NBA Tip: SU Winner – Lakers, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Los Angeles is 11-13 ATS on the road with 12 overs and 12 unders.
Brooklyn is 14-9-1 ATS at home with 13 unders and 11 overs.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Los Angeles is 8-3 and Brooklyn is 11-1.
The Nets are 15-21 when they reach the century mark, while the Lakers are 16-18.
Los Angeles averages 46.2 rebounds per game, which ranks third in the league. Brooklyn ranks 29th in rebounds allowed per game (45.8).
The Lakers rank sixth in steals per game (8.4) while the Nets rank last (6.0).
Brooklyn ranks second in three pointers allowed per game (25.2) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd (30.2).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.2) while the Nets rank 18th (10.0).
Los Angeles ranks 14th in blocks per game (4.8) while Brooklyn ranks 29th in blocks allowed per game (5.7).
The Lakers rank first in points in the paint per game (53.2) while the Nets rank 16th in points allowed in the paint per game (44.8).
Brooklyn ranks 15th in second chance points per game (12.3) while Los Angeles ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (14.0).
The Lakers rank 15th in points off turnovers per game (16.7) while the Nets rank 29th (14.0).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under.
Brooklyn is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 1.6, down from 3.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nets have scored an average of 101.4 points per game (3.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 111.0 points per game (2.2 above their season average).
