The Los Angeles Lakers (16-29) clash against the New York Knicks (21-25) at Staples Center. The game can be seen on MSG Network at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 21, 2018.
New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers Free Prediction
In the Knicks’ last game, they topped the Utah Jazz, 117-115. New York’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Utah. The Knicks had a rate of 10.8 (better than their season average of 13.6), while the Jazz posted a mark of 14.0. New York received a boost from Tim Hardaway Jr., who was the top scorer from either team with 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting.
The Lakers defeated the Indiana Pacers in their last contest, 99-86. Los Angeles had an effective field goal percentage of 0.606 (above their season average of 0.504). Indiana, meanwhile, did an excellent job of making free throws (10-13; 76.9 percent). Jordan Clarkson was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 14-for-19 shooting.
Conflicting paces will be on display in this showdown. Los Angeles has preferred to play fast (first in possessions per game), while New York has been more methodical (16th in possessions per game).
New York holds records of 21-25 straight up (SU) and 24-22 against the spread (ATS). Games including the Knicks have a slight tendency to go over the total (52.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 16-29 SU and 22-23 ATS. A little over half of Lakers games have also finished over the total.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Kristaps Porzingis scored a game-high 37 points in the first matchup, in which the Knicks defeated the Lakers 113-109, covering as 2.5-point favorites. He also put up 11 rebounds and five blocks. The game finished with a total of 222 points, which was 11 points above the projected point total of 211 points. The Knicks’ turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Lakers. New York had a rate of 11.7, while Los Angeles posted a mark of 12.8.
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, New York is 9-13 ATS with 12 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
Los Angeles is 12-12 ATS at home with 13 overs and 11 unders.
In games where they hold opponents below 100 points, Los Angeles is 8-3 and New York is 9-1.
In games where they score more than 100 points, the Knicks are 20-13 and the Lakers are 13-16.
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (17.0) while New York ranks 29th (7.0).
The Knicks rank third in points allowed in the paint per game (41.2) while the Lakers rank 29th (49.4).
New York ranks fourth in second chance points per game (14.1) while Los Angeles ranks last in second chance points allowed per game (14.4).
The Knicks rank fourth in blocks per game (5.4) while the Lakers rank 29th in blocks allowed per game (5.7).
New York ranks sixth in rebounds allowed per game (42.0) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (45.6).
The Lakers rank sixth in steals per game (8.5) while the Knicks rank 25th (6.9).
Los Angeles ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (28.0) while New York ranks 29th (21.6).
The Lakers average 16.5 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA. The Knicks rank 25th in points off turnovers allowed per game (18.1).
Los Angeles ranks sixth in assists per game (23.6) while New York ranks 13th in assists allowed per game (22.5).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, New York is 2-3 ATS with 5 overs.
Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Knicks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 0.8, up from 0.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 100.6 points per game (5.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 101.0 points per game (9.0 below their season average).
