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The Los Angeles Lakers will host the Los Angeles Clippers in their 2022-2023 home opener. The Lakers are 0-1 for the season, while the Clippers' season will get under way Thursday night.
Both Los Angeles teams missed the postseason last season and will be hoping for their stars to be healthier in the new season. Lakers stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis combined to play in 96 games last season, while Clippers stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George appeared in just 31.
The Lakers finished last season ranked 11th in scoring, averaging 112.1 points per game. Their scoring defense, however, was abysmal, allowing 115.1 points per game and finishing 28th in the league.
The Clippers fared much worse offensively, averaging 108.4 points per game and ranking 23rd in the league. Defensively, they performed much better as they finished the season ranked 11th in scoring defense, allowing 108.4 points per game.
The Lakers will be without Dennis Schroeder, Thomas Bryant, and Troy Brown Jr., while the Clippers will be at full strength.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Match Details
Fixture: Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers
Date & Time: Thursday, October 20; 10:00 pm EDT
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds
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Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Best Picks
Anthony Davis is one of the most talented big men in the entire NBA. For the second straight game, he will face an undersized front court. Davis was dominant inside ten feet, shooting 10 for 15, in the Lakers' season opener. Look for him to once again score at least 25 points.
Pick: Anthony Davis Over 24.5 Points (-125)
LeBron James is one of the NBA's most prolific passers and is currently ranked 7th all-time in assists. In the Lakers' season opener, LeBron dished out eight assists. That total could have been a lot higher if not for a dismal night from three-point range. Playing in front of their home crowd should help the shooters around James. Either way, expect him to once again finish with a high assist total.
Pick: LeBron James Over 5.5 Assists (-165)
Paul George has shown that he possesses the ability to score from anywhere. Facing a Lakers team that doesn't have many solid perimeter defenders, George should be able to get a fair amount of quality shots. Look for him to look to score early and often.
Pick: Paul George Over 22.5 (-115)
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Los Angeles Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Prediction
The Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers are both looking to bounce back from injury-plagued seasons. While both Lakers stars played well in their season opener, the Clippers stars looked rusty in the preseason.
Despite the differing expectations placed upon the two teams, expect this to be a close hard fought game. While it is possible for the Lakers to pull off an upset and emerge victorious, betting the under is the safer play.
Pick: Los Angeles Lakers +5.5 (-105)
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