The Los Angeles Lakers (0-2) square off against the San Antonio Spurs (1-1) at Staples Center. The game will air on NBATV at 10:30 p.m. ET on Monday, October 22, 2018.
San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Spurs failed to cover as 5-point underdogs in their 121-108 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in their last game. The game’s total points (229) came in well over the O/U total of 214. One of Portland’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 16-19 (84.2 percent), while the Spurs were 11-14 (78.6 percent). DeMar DeRozan led San Antonio in scoring with 28 points on 11-for-22 shooting.
In the Lakers’ last game, they were beaten by the Houston Rockets, 124-115. They failed to cover as 3.5-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (239) came in just over the projected point total of 237.5. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Houston’s largest advantages. They had 30 free throw attempts, while Los Angeles had 18. Los Angeles’ LeBron James had a good performance, leading the team in scoring with 24 points on 9-for-22 shooting.
The inefficient offense of Los Angeles will go head-to-head against the top-notch defense of San Antonio. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, the Lakers rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while the Spurs are fourth in defensive efficiency. The Spurs figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Ball security should be an advantage for the Spurs. They rank 5th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.9 percent), while the Lakers have forced the ninth-fewest turnovers in the league (opponents’ turnover percentage of 13.2 percent).
The Spurs are 48-36 straight up (SU) and 51-47-2 against the spread (ATS) since last season. Games featuring San Antonio have finished over the projected point total 57.0 percent of the time since last season.
On the other hand, the Lakers, are 35-49 SU and 37-45-2 ATS since last season. A little over half of Los Angeles’ games have finished over the projected point total over that same time frame.
The Lakers won all three meetings against the Spurs last season. In the last contest, Los Angeles won 122-112. Los Angeles had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.622 vs. 0.479). San Antonio, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 vs. 11.4).
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick
NBA Pick: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes (2017-Present):
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and San Antonio is 33-11.
When scoring more than 100 points, the Spurs are 38-16 and the Lakers are 32-31.
San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Los Angeles ranks 28th (5.5).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.8) while the Spurs rank 25th (10.0).
San Antonio ranks eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (43.7) while Los Angeles ranks last (49.1).
The Spurs rank sixth in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.8) while the Lakers rank 28th (18.3).
San Antonio ranks ninth in second chance points per game (13.2) while Los Angeles ranks 27th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
The Spurs rank third in three pointers allowed per game (26.3) while the Lakers rank 20th (30.3).
Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.3) while San Antonio ranks 15th (43.9).
The Spurs average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 17th in the NBA. The Lakers rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.3).
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