Knicks, Lakers Attempt To Break Losing Stretches
The New York Knicks can’t seem to snap out of it. They’ve lost seven of their last nine with the latest defeat being by double-digits. They are running out of time to get things turned around.
As for the Los Angeles Lakers, they were expected to be championship contenders. However, they have lost four of their last five games and are tearing apart at the seams.
Both teams had much higher expectations during the offseason, which one can finally get things turned around? Let’s a closer look at the NBA odds here and see what’s the best side for your NBA picks.
- Game: Knicks (24-28) vs Lakers (25-28)
- Location: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
- Day/Time: Saturday, 8:30 p.m. ET
- Knicks vs Lakers Live Stream: NBA Game Pass
New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Lakers
Knicks’ Horrendous Offense Keeping Them Down
The Knicks are ranked 27th in the league in terms of points scored per game, which is why it’s difficult for them to win consistently.
The Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons and the Oklahoma City Thunder are the only teams below them and are considered the worst teams in the league on paper.
New York is not getting enough production out of Julius Randle. He has solid stats, but after his All-Star season last year and high expectations, the fans are pushing for him to be moved at the trade deadline.
He averages 18.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game but shoots a measly 41.4% from the field and 30.3% from behind the arc.
Things are bad right now in New York. The team is underperforming and different players and coaches are being scapegoated. It’s tough to back this squad if you bet online.
Lakers Hoping To Be Healthy
The Lakers have been far from a championship contender but at face value, they should still be a threat to beat any team when healthy. The challenge is that they’re not right now.
LeBron James missed their last contest against the Clippers with a knee issue and is questionable to get onto the floor in this one. His absence will obviously be critical.
Whether he is able to go, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis will have to take over. Davis has only played in 32 games this season but has averaged 23.6 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists when playing.
Those figures aren’t bad but he hasn’t been anywhere near the superstar that he once was. It’s likely that he’s not quite healthy or maybe the team chemistry is off, but he’s no longer a difference-maker.
As for Westbrook, the story is about the same. He hasn’t been bad either but he doesn’t help this team win. He turns the ball over a lot (4.1 times per game) and has hampered their chemistry.
It’s an unfortunate mix of personalities and a lack of defense that is hurting Los Angeles. Luckily, the Knicks are one of the worst teams in the league when it comes to scoring.
Lakers Enter as Favorites
The Lakers and the Knicks have each struggled throughout the opening half of the season. The Lakers seem to have more potential on their roster with James, Davis and Westbrook but the reality is it’s not working out, and they’re not healthy.
The Lakers’ major weakness is defense and the Knicks on the other hand can’t score buckets consistently whatsoever. That means it might be tough to pick a side here but under might make sense in the sportsbook.
If you’re betting this game, you might be best off to stay away pre-game and just watch some of it play out. Once you have some evidence to work with to see how the game is going, jump in with some live betting.
