Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers odds, predictions, and betting tips – NBA Cup Group Stage coming to a close

Inside Group B in the Western Conference for the NBA Cup, the Lakers and Clippers are tied atop the standings at 2-0 each. However, during the regular season, the Lakers are 12-4, while the Clippers are nearly the inverse at 5-12. 

Now, let’s check out this Wednesday’s early morning edition of the NBA in more detail below. 

Lakers vs Clippers best bets

• Luka Doncic 4+ 3-point field goals made – 22/25 with BetMGM
• Ivica Zubac 15+ points – 4/9 with bet365
• LeBron James over 7.5 assists – 11/10 with Paddy Power

The Clippers are sitting at 5-12 this season, having lost four of their last five. Their last win came on Nov. 22, when they beat the New Orleans Hornets 131-116. They rank second in free-throw percentage at 83.5%, but are 26th in points per game (111.8) and 19th in points per game allowed (117.2).

As for injuries, the Clippers are set to be without Jordan Miller, Derrick Jones Jr., Bradley Beal, and potentially Bogdan Bogdanovic. 

As for the Lakers, they’re 12-4 and have had LeBron James back in the lineup over the last two games. That said, they’ll be without centre DeAndre Ayton in this game, who’s dealing with a knee injury.

The Lakers are tied for first in field goal percentage at 50.6% and also averaging the third-most pull-up points per game at 26.1. Their best player, Luka Doncic, is averaging 34.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 8.9 assists per game. 

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Lakers vs Clippers preview

This game marks the second-to-last game for both the Clippers and Lakers as far as the NBA Cup Group Stage is concerned. Both teams will play a Group Stage game on Friday, with the Lakers taking on the Dallas Mavericks and the Clippers taking on the Memphis Grizzlies. 

However, before that, we have this matchup between two undefeated teams in Group B of the Western Conference. 

The Lakers and Clippers are both inside the bottom nine in possessions per game. The Lakers average 103.2 points per game, and the Clippers are at 101. 

The Clippers are 27th in the NBA in 3-point defense, allowing teams to shoot 38.6% from beyond the arc. However, the Lakers attempt just 32.7 3-point shots per game, which is 26th in the NBA. 

As for the Lakers, they’re allowing opponents to shoot 56.8% on 2-point shots (25th), and the Clippers are 12th in 2-point shooting percentage at 55.2%. 

With Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup for the Clippers, and considering the pace of play between both teams, I’ll pick the Lakers to win, but the Clippers to cover.

Lakers vs Clippers betting tips

Find the latest odds for Los Angeles Lakers vs Los Angeles Clippers courtesy of BetMGM. Odds are subject to change.

Considering the pace of play of both teams, it makes sense that the Lakers are favoured, but it’s closer than some may expect for two teams that have polar opposite records. The Lakers also have James back in the lineup, but the Clippers have Leonard back, too. Expect a lower-scoring game, which helps make this spread a bit tighter.

Luka Doncic 4+ 3-point field goals made

This season, Doncic is averaging 11 3-point attempts and making 3.4 of them per game (31.1%). While that percentage is quite low, he’s still attempting them in large volumes, including double-digit tries in each of the last three games.

He’s only made four or more in one of his last five games, but the Clippers are the fourth-worst 3-point defence, allowing teams to shoot 38.6% and make 14.9 of these shots per game. 

I expect Doncic to keep firing from deep, and he’ll land four or more. 

Back Luka Doncic to make 4 3-point shots or more against the Clippers at 22/25 with BetMGM

Ivica Zubac 15+ points

Zubac is averaging 17 points per game, and all of his points this season have come on 2-point shots, where he’s averaging 7.5 makes and 12.1 attempts (62.1%) per game.

He’s scored 15 or more in three of his last five games, and now he’s taking on the Lakers’ defence that’s allowing teams to shoot 56.8% on these shots, which is 25th in the NBA. 

Zubac will get plenty of opportunities against this Lakers defence. 

Back Ivica Zubac to score 15 points or more against the Lakers at 4/9 with bet365

LeBron James over 7.5 assists

James has been back in action for two games, and over that stretch, he’s averaging 10 assists per game, logging eight assists or more in each. 

Not only that, but he’s averaging 16 potential assists per game over those two, including 20 in one game and 12 in the other. 

Teams average 27.1 assists per game (21st) against the Clippers. 

Remember, James is coming off dealing with a back injury, so he may be more in a bit of a complementary role as he gets back into the flow of games. 

Back LeBron James to have 8 assists or more against the Clippers at 11/10 with Paddy Power 

Lakers vs Clippers injury report

Below are the key injuries to report ahead of this early Wednesday morning contest:

Los Angeles Lakers

• Out: DeAndre Ayton (centre) – knee.
• Questionable: N/A
• Doubtful: N/A

Los Angeles Clippers

• Out: Jordan Miller (guard) – hamstring; Derrick Jones Jr. (forward) – knee; Bradley Beal (guard) – hip.
• Questionable: Bogdan Bogdanovic (guard) – hip.  
• Doubtful: N/A

Lakers vs Clippers game info

• Date: Wednesday 26th November
• Time: 04:00am GMT
• Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
• Where to watch: Sky Sports Main Event & Sky Sports+

About the author

Richard Janvrin

Richard Janvrin brings nearly a decade of experience covering sports, sports betting, and everything iGaming. Richard received his bachelor’s degree in Journalism/English from the University of New Hampshire. Throughout his career, Richard has written for sites like Bleacher Report, Forbes, The Game Day, WSN, Gambling.com, and many more.

Find him on Twitter: @RichardJanvrin

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