(This game has been postponed due to the wildfires in Los Angeles)
San Antonio Spurs (18-19) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (20-16)
The 2024-25 NBA season goes on Saturday, January 11, with the San Antonio Spurs squaring off against the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference clash at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA, with the tip-off at 10:30 PM ET.
The Spurs meet the Lakers for the third time this term, and Los Angeles aims for its fourth straight victory over San Antonio. Let’s break this game down to get you the best Spurs vs. Lakers prediction.
Our NBA Predictions are sure to provide a great payout. Check them out!
The Spurs hope to snap a three-game skid
The San Antonio Spurs have dropped three games in a row. After a 122-111 overtime loss against the Denver Nuggets at home and a 114-110 road loss versus the Chicago Bulls, the Spurs suffered a 121-105 road defeat at the Milwaukee Bucks this past Wednesday.
The Spurs struggled to cope with the Bucks’ sturdy defense, making just 36.8% of their field goals. San Antonio went 18-for-52 from beyond the arc while scoring just 30 points in the paint. Keldon Johnson led the way with 24 points and 11 rebounds, and Victor Wembanyama had 10 points and 10 boards.
Wembanyama struggled against Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 25 points, 16 boards, and eight assists. Jeremy Sochan (back) sat out the Bucks game and is questionable to play against the Lakers. The Spurs score 112.0 points per 100 possessions (18th in the NBA) while surrendering 112.5 points in return (13th).
Take advantage of the best sports betting promos.
The Lakers look to stop a two-game slide
The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off Tuesday’s 118-97 defeat at the Dallas Mavericks. It was their second defeat in a row, as the Lakers suffered a 119-115 loss at the Houston Rockets this past Sunday. The Lakers postponed their Thursday clash against the Charlotte Hornets due to a wildfire in the Los Angeles area.
Purple-and-Gold failed to score in the final 4:42 of the Mavericks game. They finished in double digits for the first time since December 13 and a 97-87 defeat at the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers went just 11-for-35 from downtown against Dallas, and Anthony Davis led the way with 21 points and 12 rebounds.
Los Angeles shoots 35.4% from beyond the arc (18th in the NBA), but the Lakers don’t rely on 3-point shooting a lot (25th in 3-point rate). They score 113.9 points per 100 possessions (11th) while surrendering 116.1 points in return (22nd).
Need assistance with pro basketball? We have the Best NBA Handicappers!
Jackie Mack - 16-5 NFL Run - Grab Jackie's Chargers/ Texans Winner for just $26 - CLICK HERE
Cameron Ross - 14-4 NFL Run - Snag Cameron's ML Top Play for just $26 - CLICK HERE
Rob Vincilleti - 10-2 CBB Run - Pick Up Rob's 100% Power System Play (Florida vs Arkansas) for just $40 - CLICK HERE
Sean Higgs -13-5 NFL Run - Grab Sean's Saturday AFC Wildcard Winner for just $30 - CLICK HERE
Michael Briggs - 16-4 All-Sport Run - Grab Michael's Saturday NFL Best Bet for just $35 - CLICK HERE
Best Bets for San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Full-Game Side Bet
Insiders Status:
I expect the Spurs to bounce back from a heavy loss against Milwaukee and keep it close against the Lakers. The Spurs should have learned the lesson from a couple of home defeats against the Lakers, who are arguably a weaker defensive unit than the Bucks.
The Lakers have been a hit-or-miss lately, dropping four of their previous eight games overall. During that stretch, the Lakers suffered a 117-114 home loss to the Detroit Pistons and failed to cope with the Mavericks, who missed both Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.
The Spurs cannot lean on Victor Wembanyama to win this game on his own. After a tough matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo, Wembanyama will have to deal with Anthony Davis. I expect the Spurs to continue to play solid defense and lean on 3-point shooting (7th in the league in 3-point rate).
Full-Game Total Pick
Insiders Status:
The Lakers have been slowing things down lately, trying to improve their defense. Now, they are 21st in the league in pace, tallying 97.9 possessions per 48 minutes (21st in the NBA). The Spurs are 16th in pace, posting 98.8 possessions per 48 minutes.
As mentioned, the Lakers don’t lean on 3-point shooting. The Spurs do, but they are 23rd in the league in 3-point percentage (34.2%). San Antonio defends the paint at a high level thanks to Victor Wembanyama, so I’m backing the under on the total.
Want a second opinion on this pick?
For another opinion on this game, check out San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Prediction from Statsalt, our partner site.
