The New York Knicks play their third consecutive game in California when they take on the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night. Here are our top Knicks vs. Lakers NBA picks based on the best NBA odds.
The Knicks lost three in a row, including a 106-95 defeat last night against the L.A. Clippers. They scored less than 106 points per game during their three-game losing streak, and allowed over 113 per contest.
The Lakers won three consecutive. Each of those victories came at home and without star forward LeBron James, who is out again Sunday night. Power forward Anthony Davis is probable for this contest and based on where the line is set, oddsmakers expect him to play.
Here is our best Knicks vs. Lakers NBA pick (odds via FanDuel Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5-star scale).
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Knicks vs. Lakers pick
While the Knicks could win this game, the reasons to take the Lakers to cover the spread are simple. They're better rested and playing really good basketball right now. The Knicks are not, and have to play the second half of a back-to-back.
Prior to the Knicks' three-game losing streak, they won nine in a row. During that stretch, they scored 115 or more points in eight matchups. Across that streak, they scored 105 or less in two games, including a 112-105 loss to the Charlotte Hornets at home.
Though the Lakers don't have LeBron, they're finding their rhythm as a team both offensively and defensively. They held their last four opponents to 112 points or less, and with how New York's offense is playing, it wouldn't be surpr ising to see them hold their fifth opponent in a row under that number.
The Lakers score 117.4 PPG at home. If they get to that average, the tired Knicks will have a hard time keeping up. Of course, this all changes if Davis ends up sitting. But based on reports, and that oddsmakers are quickly moving this line in favor of L.A., that seems unlikely.
Knicks vs. Lakers best odds
| DraftKings | FanDuel | BetMGM | Caesars | PointsBet |
| Lakers -2.5 | Lakers -2.5 | Lakers -2.5 | Lakers -2.5 | Lakers -2.5 |
| -110 | -108 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
Each of the five major sportsbooks offers the same spread for this game. Though all the prices are about the same, FanDuel gives a slightly cheaper price of -108. Place your wager there.
With how the Knicks have played, and with how the public is betting, expect this number to keep moving in favor of the Lakers. We'd take it up to 3.5, but recommend getting in as soon as possible. With how it's moving, there's no guarantee a number like 3.5 would produce a better price.
Knicks vs. Lakers odds
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Knicks vs. Lakers odds analysis
The Lakers opened as 1.5-point favorites, but that number soon moved to 2.5. With 61% of wagers backing the L akers, and with oddsmakers showing that they're willing to move this line, expect this number to continue to go up throughout the day.
The total opened at 224.5, and despite the relatively low total, bettors predict this one to go Under. Currently, 67% of wagers back the Under, which isn't too surprising considering the Knicks scored just 95 last night and now play the second half of a back-to-back. Oddsmakers haven't changed the number yet, and it may be so low they don't change it much before tipoff.
Knicks vs. Lakers game info
- Date: Sunday, March 12, 9 p.m. ET
- TV: ESPN
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Knicks vs. Lakers pick made 3/12/2023 at 9:32 a.m. ET.
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