LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 05/04/2023, 09:03  by Joseph King | Modified on 05/04/2023 at 10:03 in NBA Predictions

The Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers face off at the Crytpo.com Arena for this NBA matchup with playoff positioning on the line. The “Battle of LA” is always a hotly-contested matchup but there is extra significance to this one as both teams are jostling for position in an extremely tight Western Conference. Both teams share a 41-38 record which currently has the Clippers holding the sixth seed and the Lakers occupying the seventh seed. There is an interesting dynamic at play here as it appears the Lakers may be willing to concede this game to avoid a potential matchup with the favorites to win the West, the Phoenix Suns. The Lakers would guarantee themselves the fifth seed if they were to win their remaining games which would likely mean a matchup with Phoenix in the first round. With the Lakers coming off a back-to-back here, they have already listed LeBron James and Anthony Davis as questionable for this matchup. There is also talks of resting point-guard D’Angelo Russell as well.

The Clippers come into this matchup off the back of a 122-114 loss to the Pelicans, their second in a row and third loss from the last five games. They are still without the services of Paul George who has missed the last six games and is doubtful to return before the start of the playoffs. They will have Kawhi Leonard to lead the team however who is coming off a big 40 point performance in the last game despite the Clippers ultimately falling to defeat. They will also hope to get a big performance from point-guard Russell Westbrook coming up against his former team. One of the strengths of this Clippers team is their depth as they possess a number of players that can step up with a game when needed. Norman Powell is the most notable name amongst the role-players as the 29-year-old is back from injury and has put together a couple of quality performances in recent outings.