Sunday’s 10-game schedule in the NBA is headlined in part by an afternoon showdown on ABC between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. New York comes in with a 41-23 record, good for third place in the Eastern Conference. At 38-25, Los Angeles is clinging to a top-six spot in the West.
Let’s dive into my Knicks vs. Lakers predictions.
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds
Money line: Knicks -160 / Lakers +135
Spread: Knicks -3.5 (-115) / Lakers +3.5 (-110)
Total: Over 228.5 (-110) / Under 228.5 (-110)
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers best bet: Knicks -3.5 (-110)
New York has won four of its last five overall heading into this blockbuster battle inside Crypto.com Arena, with its only loss during this stretch coming by three points to defending champion OKC. The Knicks have actually been playing stellar basketball for a long stretch, as they are also 16-5 in their last 21 games. They are on a five-game road trip right now and it began with a 142-103 rout of Denver on Friday. OG Anunoby poured in 34 points and Karl-Anthony Towns produced his fifth consecutive double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Moreover, the Knicks are healthier than they have been all season long. Everyone other than Miles McBride (out until the playoffs following core muscle surgery) is good to go.
The Lakers are mostly healthy at the moment, as well, although Deandre Ayton is questionable with a knee injury. LeBron James is probable for Sunday despite a minor elbow issue. Given that he may be less than 100 percent, the 41-year-old’s recent struggles might continue. LeBron has been kept below his season-long points per game average (21.4) in six of eight appearances since the all-star break. Ayton has been pretty much useless of late, so L.A. can’t feel good about their presence in the paint even if he suits up for this contest.