Two of the Western Conference’s elite teams square off Wednesday night, with the No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers (23-11) traveling to face the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs (25-11).
This marks the third of four meetings between the clubs this season. The Lakers claimed the opener 118-116 in November, while the Spurs responded with a 132-119 victory in December.
Here’s a preview of this game, scheduled for a 9:30 p.m. ET tipoff.
LA Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs Odds
Moneyline: Lakers (+225) vs Spurs (-274)
Spread: Lakers +7.5 (-110) vs Spurs -7.5 (-110)
Total (O/U): Lakers o233.5 (-110) vs Spurs u233.5 (-110)
Editor’s note: The odds could change close to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing.
LA Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs Preview and Prediction
Preview
Although the Spurs enter as the higher seed with a one-game edge over the Lakers in the standings, Los Angeles comes in playing better basketball. The Lakers are fresh off a 111-103 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, their third straight win, while San Antonio has dropped its last two games.
In the win over New Orleans, Lakers stars LeBron James and Luka Dončić scored 30 points each, combining for 18 assists and 10 rebounds. However, James has yet to confirm his availability for Wednesday’s game as the Lakers continue to manage his minutes amid several early-season ailments.
San Antonio, meanwhile, fell 106-105 to the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday in Victor Wembanyama’s return from a two-game absence. Wembanyama came off the bench again and poured in 30 points, but it was not enough, as he sat during crunch time and Cam Spencer hit the game-winning shot for Memphis.
Over the past 10 games, the Lakers rank among the league’s six worst teams in defensive rating, while the Spurs have excelled, ranking seventh overall. Offensively, San Antonio sits eighth in offensive rating, compared to the Lakers at 15th. Despite those differences, both teams are 6-4 during that stretch.
Prediction
This matchup would be even more compelling if both teams were fully healthy, but it remains intriguing given the projected lineups. San Antonio’s strong guard play presents a challenge for a Lakers team missing Austin Reaves. Expect the Spurs to edge out a close one.
Our prediction: Spurs win by 9.
LA Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs Player Props
- Luka Doncic O/U 35.5 points – Take the under.
- LeBron James O/U 21.5 points – Take the over.
- Victor Wembanyama O/U 21.5 points – Take the over.
- De’Aaron Fox O/U 19.5 points – Take the over.
