The Los Angeles Lakers face the Los Angeles Clippers in a key Western Conference matchup on Thursday night at the Intuit Dome. With both teams vying for playoff positioning, the game highlights a season series tied after two meetings. Tipoff is set for 10 p.m. ET.
The Lakers enter with a 26-16 record, sitting fifth in the West, and have won their last two games against the Raptors and Nuggets. The Clippers, at 19-24 overall, have surged recently, winning 13 of their last 16 contests after starting the season 6-21. This marks the third matchup between the Pacific Division rivals this season, with each team securing one victory so far. The Clippers defeated the Lakers 103-88 at home on December 20.
Odds list the Clippers as slight 1-point favorites, with an over/under total of 223.5 points. Betting models show varied projections: one simulation backs the Clippers to win outright in 55% of outcomes and the over to hit in nearly 60% of cases. Another model leans toward the over at 224.5, projecting a combined 231 points. However, reports differ on the spread, with some favoring the Lakers by 1.5 points.
For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard is questionable with a knee issue but expected to play, averaging 28.2 points per game. James Harden contributes 26 points and eight assists per contest. The Lakers have gone over the total in 25 of 47 games this season, while the Clippers are 23-20 to the over.
The Clippers boast an 11-9 home record, despite a recent 138-110 loss to the Bulls on a back-to-back. The Lakers struggle on the road lately but carry momentum from recent wins. This intracity battle could influence playoff seeding in the competitive West.
