The Los Angeles Lakers (29-7) put their five-game winning streak on the line when they take on the New York Knicks (10-26) at Staples Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, and will air on NBATV.
Los Angeles opened as a 14-point favorite, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 220.5 points.
New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers ATS Prediction
In the Knicks’ last matchup, they were topped by the Los Angeles Clippers, 135-132, but they did cover as 10-point underdogs. The game’s combined points (267) finished well over the projected point total of 220. Los Angeles’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over New York. The Clippers had a rate of 25.6 (above their season average of 24.8), while the Knicks posted a mark of 20.0 (below their season average of 25.0). Marcus Morris Sr. was the game’s high scorer with 38 points on 13-for-19 shooting.
The Lakers defeated the Detroit Pistons in their last game, 106-99, but were not able to cover as 14.5-point favorites. The game’s total points (205) finished under the projected point total of 219.5. The Lakers held the Pistons to an offensive rebounding percentage of 13.3 (below their season average of 22.6) and had a turnover percentage of 11.3 (better than their season average of 12.9). With 21 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists, Los Angeles’ LeBron James led the way with his eighth triple-double this year.
After the Knicks won both meetings against the Lakers last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, New York won 124-123. The Knicks knocked down 24 of their 29 free throws (82.8 percent) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.658 vs. 0.521).
New York comes into the contest with records of 10-26 straight up (SU) and 18-17-1 against the spread (ATS). Of the Knicks’ 36 games, 21 have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 29-7 SU and 18-17-1 ATS. Games featuring the Lakers also have a tendency to finish under the total (58.3 percent).
Los Angeles could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense goes up against one of the worst defenses in the NBA. The Lakers currently rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while New York ranks 26th in defensive efficiency.
New York Knicks at Los Angeles Lakers ATS Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Knicks, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
New York is 11-8 ATS on the road with 10 overs and 9 unders.
Los Angeles is 9-8-1 ATS at home with 11 unders and 7 overs.
In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, New York is 3-1 and Los Angeles is 12-0.
When reaching 100 points, the Knicks are 9-17 and the Lakers are 25-7.
Los Angeles ranks second in points in the paint per game (53.4) while New York ranks 27th (43.9).
The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (17.7) while the Knicks rank 27th (10.2).
Los Angeles ranks fifth in assists per game (26.1) while New York ranks 29th (21.1).
The Knicks rank third in steals allowed per game (6.8) while the Lakers rank 23rd (8.2).
Los Angeles ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.9) while New York ranks 21st (46.3).
The Lakers rank first in blocks per game (7.4) while the Knicks rank 18th (4.8).
Los Angeles ranks 11th in three pointers allowed per game (32.9) while New York ranks 26th (35.1).
The Lakers rank third in second chance points allowed per game (11.9) while the Knicks rank 16th (13.3).
Los Angeles ranks eighth in points off turnovers per game (18.1) while New York ranks 14th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.0).
In its last five outings, New York is 4-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Los Angeles is 2-2-1 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over its last five games.
The Knicks have outscored opponents by an average of 6.4 points in their last five games. For the season, New York has been defeated by an average of 7.1 points.
During their last five games, the Lakers have scored an average of 116.4 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 106.8 points per game (1.4 above their season average).
