Let's preview Clippers-Lakers on ESPN Wednesday night with our Lakers vs Clippers prediction and picks tonight.
Lakers vs Clippers Prediction, Picks Tonight
The Battle of Los Angeles takes place tonight on ESPN, but all the attention is on the recent trade between the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Clippers that sent James Harden, PJ Tucker and Filip Petrusev to L.A. and Marcus Morris, Nic Batum, Robert Covington, KJ Martin, an unprotected 2028 first-round pick, two second-round picks, and a first-round pick swap to Philly.
Harden is reportedly not playing on Wednesday night, although that has not yet officially been announced. Tucker, meanwhile, is reportedly eligible to play, but we're not sure if he will.
We do know enough, though, to come up with a couple best bets for Lakers vs Clippers.
Lakers vs Clippers Best Bets for Wednesday
Picks: Clippers moneyline | Austin Reaves under 1.5 3-pointers
Both teams just played the Magic, and both will be on their third game in four nights. I never feel good about betting the Clippers on a back-to-back, with Kawhi Leonard always at risk of sitting out. However, Leonard has played in more back-to-backs since the 2021 season in what could be a concerted effort to dispel the load management reputation. Either way, his status should be monitored.
Harden and Tucker’s availability was the other obvious missing piece to this handicapping puzzle. The Lakers were five-point favorites overnight, which is a little longer than where I have them power rated as I make this Lakers -3.5, and that told me that Harden and Tucker might have the chance to play.
Even with the reports Harden might not play Wednesday, though, this line has moved away from the Clippers, with the Lakers now -3 at most books. The under is also starting to take some respected money.
The Clippers have looked elite so far this season, but the Lakers have taken a bit more time to click. The Lakers are an absolutely horrific 6-24 against the Clippers in their last 30 games dating back to 2014, as well. The big brother-little brother complex is alive and strong with these two teams and the little brothers have been dominating.
Pick: Clippers moneyline
After a breakout last season, Austin Reaves has struggled to find his shot. He’s scoring just 10 points per game despite a usage increase from 15.6 last season, to 20.1 in 2023-24. An under on his 3-point prop could be a strong look as this isn’t a great matchup for Reaves based on his shot profile. Reaves shoots in just the 25th percentile when it comes to 3-point frequency and most of those come from corner 3s.
This season, the Clippers have the sixth-best Defensive Effective Field Goal Percentage (49.4%) as a result of giving up just 36.3% of opponent shots from deep (12th) and just 10.6% from the corner (fifth). If they do give up 3s, they defend them extremely well allowing just 30.9% and 27.3% in the corner.
Pick: Austin Reaves under 1.5 3-pointers
Lakers vs Clippers Picks, Odds
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3 -105 | 227.5 -110o / -110u | +135 |
| Lakers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3 -115 | 227.5 -110o / -110u | -155 |
Clippers moneyline is intriguing. Once Harden is officially ruled out, the number could only get longer. And if you do end up on Clippers moneyline, make sure to use our exclusive Fanatics Sportsbook Promo Code.
Based on the Clippers defensive profile and Austin Reaves’ recent struggles, I’ll make a small play for him to have less than two 3s made tonight, as well.
