Knicks vs. Lakers: Betting Trends, Odds, and Prediction

The New York Knicks will face off against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 12, 2023, at the crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Both teams are fighting for playoff spots in their respective conferences, making this a crucial game for their postseason aspirations. In this article, we will analyze each team's strengths and weaknesses, examine the latest betting trends and odds, and provide our prediction for the game.

New York Knicks

The Knicks have been one of the surprise teams of the NBA this season, currently sitting in the sixth spot in the Eastern Conference standings. They have a 39-30 record and have won four of their last five games. The Knicks are led by forward Julius Randle, who is averaging 25.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season. He has been the driving force behind the Knicks' success and will be crucial to their chances in this game.

Offensively, the Knicks are averaging 107.9 points per game, which is the 23rd-best in the league. They shoot 44.5% from the field and 35.7% from beyond the arc. However, their strength is their defense, as they are allowing just 104.7 points per game, which is the third-best in the league. The Knicks are also the best team in the league in terms of opponent field goal percentage, as they are holding teams to just 43.3% shooting from the field.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are currently in the ninth spot in the Western Conference standings, just outside the playoff picture. They have a 33-34 record and have won three of their last five games. The Lakers are led by superstar LeBron James, who is averaging 29.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season. James has been dealing with injuries this season, but he is expected to play in this game.

Offensively, the Lakers are averaging 110.7 points per game, which is the 12th-best in the league. They shoot 47.2% from the field and 34.5% from beyond the arc. Defensively, they are allowing 108.5 points per game, which is the 13th-best in the league. The Lakers are also allowing teams to shoot 46.4% from the field, which is the 19th-best in the league.

Betting Trends

According to OddsShark, the Knicks are 3-1 against the spread (ATS) in their last four games. They are also 6-3 ATS in their last nine road games. The total has gone over in four of their last six games. The Lakers are 2-3 ATS in their last five games. They are also 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. The total has gone over in four of their last six games.

Public Betting Data

As of this writing, OddsShark reports that 63% of the public is betting on the Knicks to cover the spread. The over/under has not been released yet for this game.

Injuries

The Knicks have two players listed on the injury report as of March 11th. Point guard Duane Washington Jr. is listed as a game-time decision for this matchup, while Jalen Brunson is also listed as a game-time decision due to an undisclosed injury. Meanwhile, the Lakers have one player listed on their injury report as of March 11th. Center Mo Bamba is out for this game due to a foot injury, while Anthony Davis is a game-time decision with a back injury.

Prediction

The Knicks have been playing well lately, winning three of their last five games. They have one of the best players in the league in Julius Randle, who is averaging 25.2 points and 10.4 rebounds per game this season. The Lakers, on the other hand, have struggled recently, losing two of their last five games. However, they have a lot of talent on their roster, led by LeBron James, who is averaging 29.5 points and 8.4 rebounds per game this season.

Both teams have players listed as game-time decisions, so it's unclear who will be available for this matchup. However, assuming both teams are at full strength, this should be a close game. The Knicks have a strong offense, averaging 114.1 points per game, while the Lakers have a strong defense, allowing just 106.3 points per game.

The key matchup in this game will be between Julius Randle and LeBron James. Both players are All-Stars and will likely be guarding each other for much of the game. Randle has been playing at a high level all season, but James is still one of the best players in the league and is always a threat to have a big game.

In terms of betting trends, the Knicks are 4-1 against the spread in their last five games, while the Lakers are 2-3 against the spread in their last five games. The total has gone over in four of the Knicks' last five games, while the total has gone over in three of the Lakers' last five games.

Pick: Knicks +3.5 - BUT I'M NOT BETTING THIS! If you want my LOCKS - click here

Based on the recent play of both teams and the key matchup between Julius Randle and LeBron James, I like the Knicks to cover the spread in this game. The Knicks have been playing well lately and have one of the best players in the league in Randle, while the Lakers have struggled recently and are dealing with some injuries. Assuming both teams are at full strength, this should be a close game, and I think the Knicks have a good chance to win outright. I'm leaning towards the Knicks +3.5 in this matchup.