San Antonio Spurs (11-44) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (30-26)
The struggling San Antonio Spurs will face the surging Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night. This matchup between the team with the worst record in the NBA and a Lakers squad clinging to a play-in spot in the West provides an interesting betting opportunity to win big at the best online casino.
The Spurs have struggled mightily this season, especially on the defensive end where they allow a league-worst 111.8 points per game. Offensively they score just 43.2% from the field and 33.9% from three-point range, both bottom-10 marks league-wide. First-year phenom Victor Wembanyama has posted 20.5 points and 10 rebounds per contest, but the supporting cast around him needs to step up.
Meanwhile, the Lakers’ offense has caught fire of late, averaging 117 points on 49.4% shooting and 37% from deep over their last five games. Anthony Davis is leading the charge, averaging 24.9 points, 12.2 rebounds and 2.5 blocks for the season. With Davis dominating in the paint and LeBron James sidelined by injury, the Lakers’ attack is peaking at the right time as they battle for playoff position out West. Their 28.5 assists per game demonstrate excellent ball movement, while their rebounding differential ranks 5th in the NBA. If Davis continues his blistering play, the surging Lakers will be a tough out through the postseason.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game Info
| When: | Friday, February 23, 2024 at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | SportsNet LA |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Victor Wembanyama (C) vs. Anthony Davis (PF)
Victor Wembanyama has shown unique gifts on both ends of the floor. He averages 20.5 points, 10 rebounds and a league-leading 3.2 blocks per game. His rare combination of size, athleticism and perimeter skills makes him a matchup nightmare. However, he does struggle with turnovers (3.5 per game) and foul trouble (2.1 fouls in just 28.4 minutes per game).
Anthony Davis is playing like an MVP candidate over the last month. During the Lakers’ surge, he’s averaging 32.2 points on 57% shooting to go along with 12.4 rebounds and 2.4 blocks. His mid range shooting and work on the low block has been unstoppable. However, he has missed 13 games this year and his health remains a question mark at age 30.
This matchup will pit Wembanyama’s freakish gifts against Davis’ polished skillset and veteran savvy. If Davis can draw fouls on the rookie, it could spell trouble for San Antonio. However, if Wembanyama stays out of foul trouble, his ability to protect the rim and stretch the floor on offense could give Davis fits. This individual matchup could decide the game.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
With the betting odds yet to be determined, it’s clear that the Lakers are likely to be favored given their superior record and home-court advantage. Bettors should keep a close eye on the spread and moneyline as they become available, considering the Lakers’ recent form and the Spurs’ struggles on the road.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends
The Spurs have gone 1-4 against the spread in their last 5 games. They are 13-16 against the number on the road this season. Totals have gone OVER in just 1 of the Spurs’ previous 5 matchups, but have exceeded betting lines in 15 of their 26 home contests. This data indicates the trends are slightly favoring the UNDER on Friday night.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Lakers have covered in 3 of their last 5 games and own a 12-16 record versus the spread away from home in 2023-24. Totals have gone OVER in 3 of Los Angeles’ previous 5 contests. Additionally, 11 of the Lakers’ 29 home games have seen scoring surpass betting lines. These trends point to the OVER as the play for LA’s scoring output on Friday night.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers 2/23/24 Betting Picks
At first glance, the Lakers appear to be the safer bet in this matchup, given their stronger record and home court advantage. Prop bets related to individual performances from Davis and Wembanyama could provide significant value given their respective contributions to both teams.
As for over/under, due to both teams’ high scoring capabilities – particularly the Lakers’ recent trend of high scoring games – bettors may want to consider betting the OVER. Also keep an eye out on any spread announcement, since the Lakers could easily cover it against an inconsistent Spurs squad.
This prediction favors the Lakers continuing their winning form and capitalizing on any defensive gaps from Spurs’. Bettors should consider the Lakers for winning free basketball picks with an eye towards betting the total points as an attractive proposition.
