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The LA Lakers vs New York Knicks matchup at Madison Square Garden is one of six games on the NBA schedule on Saturday. It's the second and final game of the season between the two teams, with the Knicks winning at Crypto.com Arena on Dec. 18. Let's look at the game's preview, prediction and betting tips.
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to a 114-109 over the Lakers with 29 points, four rebounds and three assists. However, the Knicks made a trade since that encounter, acquiring OG Anunoby from the Indiana Pacers and are one of the hottest teams.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are still hovering around a .500 record more than halfway through the season. Trade rumors surrounding LeBron James could disrupt an already fragile offense under coach Darvin Ham. They are coming off a huge win over the league-leading Boston Celtics despite not having James and Anthony Davis.
LA Lakers vs New York Knicks preview, prediction, odds and betting tips
The LA Lakers vs New York Knicks game is on Monday at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. It starts at 8:30 p.m. EST and will be nationally televised on ABC.
Moneyline: Lakers (+165) vs Knicks (-190)
Spread: Lakers +4.5 (-115) vs Knicks -4.5 (-105)
Total (O/U): Lakers -105 (o226.5) vs Knicks -115 (u226.5)
LA Lakers vs New York Knicks preview
The LA Lakers face the New York Knicks for the 299th time. The two most historic franchises in the league had their first matchup on Nov. 11, 1948, when the Lakers were in Minneapolis. The Lakers are ahead 171-126 in their all-time head-to-head matchup.
New York might have a two-game winning streak over the Lakers since last season, but it has been pretty even. They have had five wins against each other since Mar. 17, 2019.
LA Lakers vs New York Knicks starting lineups
The LA Lakers have five players on their injury report, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who are listed as questionable. Both are likely good to go and join the rest of coach Darvin Ham's starting five, which includes D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and Taurean Prince.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks will be without Julius Randle and Quentin Grimes due to injury. OG Anunoby, who has missed the last three games will be sidelined due to an elbow injury. Coach Tom Thibodeau will likely use a starting lineup of Jalen Brunson, Donte DiVincenzo, Josh Hart, Precious Achiuwa and Isaiah Hartenstein.
LA Lakers vs New York Knicks betting tips
Anthony Davis has an over/under of 26.5 points, which is higher than his season average of 24.9 points per game. Davis is projected to score 22.5 points against the New York Knicks, so fans should bet on him to go under.
Jalen Brunson is averaging 27.1 points per game this season, which is lower than his over/under of 32.5 points against the LA Lakers. Brunson has been on fire for the Knicks, with three 30-point games in his last four contests.
LeBron James, meanwhile, is projected to score 24.5 points, which is higher than his over/under of 23.5 points per game. It's safer to be on James to go over if he plays, as he has scored at least 24 points twice in his last four games.
LA Lakers vs New York Knicks prediction
The LA Lakers enter the game as the slight underdogs. The Lakers battle one of the hottest teams in the league that has won nine straight games. Oddsmakers predict the Knicks to get the win, cover the spread and the total to go over 226.5 points.
