The NBA’s top scoring defense will be on the road at Staples Center, when the San Antonio Spurs (45-33) go head-to-head with the Los Angeles Lakers (33-44). The game will air on ESPN at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 4, 2018.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
Both teams were beaten in their last contest. The Lakers were beaten by the Utah Jazz, 117-110, while the Spurs lost a tough one against the Los Angeles Clippers, 113-110.
San Antonio had a better turnover percentage (10.7 vs. 12.2) while Los Angeles had a free throw rate of 0.324 (above their season average of 0.186). Kentavious Caldwell-Pope put together a good performance for Los Angeles with 28 points and five rebounds. LaMarcus Aldridge had a good outing for San Antonio, finishing with 35 points and nine rebounds.
Los Angeles might have a difficult time scoring as they battle against one of the league’s best defenses. San Antonio ranks third in defensive efficiency, while the Lakers rank 23rd in offensive efficiency.
Of the Spurs’ 77 games that accepted bets, 42 have finished under the total. San Antonio comes into the game with records of 45-33 straight up (SU) and 40-33-4 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to San Antonio, games featuring the Lakers have a slight tendency to go over the total (52.6 percent). Moreover, Los Angeles is 33-44 SU and 39-36-1 ATS.
Kyle Kuzma and Julius Randle have been playing well over the last five games for Los Angeles. Kuzma has averaged 20.6 points and 8.4 rebounds, while Randle has recorded 20.0 points and 9.4 rebounds a game during that span.
The Lakers have won both contests against the Spurs this season. In their most recent game, the two teams combined to score 228 points, which was over the projected point total of 219. Los Angeles won 116-112, covering as a 6-point underdog. One of Los Angeles’ biggest advantages was getting to the free throw line. They made 27 trips to the line, while San Antonio went 20 times. Lonzo Ball put up a double-double in the victory with 18 points and 11 assists.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Pick
NBA Prediction: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Spurs, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- The Spurs average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 18th in the league. The Lakers rank 23rd in steals allowed per game (8.3).
- San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Los Angeles ranks 27th (5.5).
- The Spurs rank ninth in second chance points per game (13.2) while the Lakers rank 27th in second chance points allowed per game (13.5).
- San Antonio ranks ninth in points off turnovers allowed per game (15.1) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (18.4).
- San Antonio averages 44.4 rebounds per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 23rd in rebounds allowed per game (44.8).
- The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.2) while the Spurs rank 22nd (10.2).
- The Spurs rank fifth in three pointers allowed per game (26.5) while the Lakers rank 19th (30.1).
- San Antonio averages 22.8 assists per game, which ranks 15th in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 18th in assists allowed per game (23.4).
- Los Angeles ranks first in points in the paint per game (52.1) while San Antonio ranks 20th (43.7).
- In games where they allow below 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and San Antonio is 31-10.
- The Spurs are 35-13 when they score over 100 points, while the Lakers are 30-29.
- San Antonio is 15-20-3 ATS on the road, while Los Angeles is 20-17 ATS at home.
- The total has gone under in 19 of the Lakers’ 37 home games, while 22 of the Spurs’ 38 road games have gone under.
Bettings Trends:
- The Spurs are 3-2 ATS over their last five games, while the Lakers are 2-3.
- In their last five games, San Antonio has 3 overs and 2 unders, while Los Angeles has 3 unders and 2 overs.
- The Spurs’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.0, down from 3.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 104.8 points per game (3.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 106.0 points per game (3.7 below their season average).
