The Brooklyn Nets (18-24) square off against the Los Angeles Lakers (35-9) at the Barclays Center. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 23, 2020, and will air on TNT.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Brooklyn Nets ATS Prediction
In the Lakers’ last outing, they covered the 2.5-point spread against the New York Knicks, 100-92. The total points for the game (192) came in well under the projected point total of 226.5. The Lakers had a free throw rate of 0.232 (above their season average of 0.195), while the Knicks had a turnover percentage of 15.4 (above their season average of 12.0). Los Angeles received a boost from Anthony Davis, who was the top scorer from either team with 28 points on 7-for-14 shooting.
The Nets fell to the Philadelphia 76ers in their last matchup, 117-111. They were not able to cover as 2-point underdogs. The game’s total points (228) came in over the projected point total of 218. Philadelphia’s turnover percentage was the team’s largest strength over Brooklyn. The 76ers had a rate of 10.2 (better than their season average of 12.5), while the Nets posted a mark of 18.7 (above their season average of 13.1). With 13 points and 13 rebounds, Brooklyn’s Jarrett Allen had a solid game.
Brooklyn might have a difficult time finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the NBA’s best defenses. Los Angeles currently ranks third in defensive efficiency while the Nets rank 26th in offensive efficiency.
Los Angeles comes into the contest with records of 35-9 straight up (SU) and 23-19-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when setting the O/U total of Lakers games, with 22 unders compared to 21 overs.
Meanwhile, Brooklyn is 18-24 SU and 18-23-1 ATS. Vegas has typically been fairly accurate when predicting totals of Nets games, with 20 overs compared to 20 unders.
After the Nets won both matchups against the Lakers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last matchup, Brooklyn won 111-106. Brooklyn had a better turnover percentage (11.1 vs. 12.7). Los Angeles, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (34.5 vs. 21.6).
Lakers at Nets ATS Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Nets, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 12-10 ATS with 12 overs and 10 unders.
At home, Brooklyn is 11-11 ATS with 11 unders, 10 overs and 1 push.
Brooklyn is 4-1 when they hold opponents under 100 points, while Los Angeles is 15-0.
When reaching 100 points, the Lakers are 31-9 and the Nets are 18-18.
Los Angeles averages 7.3 blocks per game, which ranks first in the NBA. Brooklyn ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.6).
The Lakers rank fourth in steals per game (8.5) while the Nets rank 26th (6.7).
Los Angeles ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (42.5) while Brooklyn ranks 24th (46.8).
The Lakers rank third in points off turnovers per game (18.6) while the Nets rank 23rd (15.9).
Brooklyn ranks 12th in fast break points allowed per game (12.6) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (15.5).
The Lakers average 14.7 second chance points per game, which ranks third in the NBA. The Nets rank 16th in second chance points allowed per game (13.2).
Los Angeles averages 53.5 points in the paint per game, which ranks second in the NBA. Brooklyn ranks eighth in points allowed in the paint per game (46.0).
The Nets average 37.0 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the league. The Lakers rank 10th in three pointers allowed per game (32.5).
Brooklyn allows the second-fewest assists per game (21.8) while Los Angeles ranks fifth (22.9).
In its last five outings, Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 5 overs.
Brooklyn is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.6, down from 7.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Nets have scored an average of 105.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 111.0 points per game (0.6 below their season average).
