Phoenix Suns at Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Lakers have struggled against in-division opponents this season, losing five of their first six. However, the Lakers have started to figure things out as of late and will host a Sacramento team attempting to end its four-game losing streak Tuesday night at Staples Center.
The Kings and Lakers have split a pair of meetings this season, with each team winning on the road. Los Angeles won 117-92 in Sacramento on Nov. 30, while the Kings beat the Lakers 141-137 in triple overtime on Nov. 25 at Staples Center.
Sacramento Kings Betting Preview: Shuffling along
The Kings are 5-5 in their last ten and have been allowing their opponents to score 111.8 points per game. Sacramento’s offense, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field, has only scored 105.7 points per game during the same timespan.
De’Aaron Fox leads the Kings by averaging 20.3 points per game, while Harrison Barnes contributes 16.8 per contest. Sacramento has been a middling team in terms of shooting from the perimeter. The Kings make 34.2 percent of their 3-pointers, which ranks 20th in the league.
Sacramento, however, has been efficient at getting to the charity stripe. The Kings go to the charity stripe 22.3 times per game, which is third-best in the league and slightly ahead of the Lakers, who got 22.2 points per game.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview: Waiting for the Brow’s return
The Lakers aren’t the same team without center Anthony Davis. While Los Angeles waits for his return, however, the Lakers have found a way to even their record at 19-19 and work their way into the playoff conversation. Los Angeles also recently freed up roster space by trading Rajon Rondo.
Los Angeles forward LeBron James, who averages 28.5 points per game, has stepped up his 3-point shooting recently. James has averaged 3.3 treys per game over the last ten games. What Los Angeles needs, however, is scoring punch below the superstar level.
Russell Westbrook is third on the team in scoring, but the Lakers’ next biggest offensive contributor is aging veteran Carmelo Anthony, who averages 13.4 points per game off the bench. Los Angeles is once again an average outside shooting team, averaging 34.9 percent, which ranks 16th in the league.
Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers are 15-23 against the spread this season, while Sacramento is 17-21. The Kings, who have lost four straight road games outright, are 5-7 against the spread as road underdogs. Los Angeles is 1-5 against the spread against divisional opponents.
Kings vs. Lakers Prediction
The Lakers are 7.5-point favorites, and the over/under is 229.5. Los Angeles has been an enigma this season, especially without Davis. The Lakers have also had their fair share of struggles against in-division opponents this year. While Los Angeles will win this one at home, the Kings will keep it close and cover the spread.
Sacramento’s offense has been consistent recently, but the Kings’ defense has struggled. With the Lakers not being a dynamic 3-point shooter team, the Kings should be able to find a way to keep the game close.
