Los Angeles Clippers at Los Angeles Lakers Odds

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Lakers (-3.5)
Game Total Line: (186.5)
(wagering lines available at Betonline.com)

In the latest edition of the only in-city rivalry in the NBA the Pacific Division-leading Los Angeles Clippers take on the second-place LA Lakers Wednesday night at Staples Center (10:30 pm Eastern).

The Clippers started 6-3 this season, then lost newly acquired G Chris Paul to a hamstring injury. Since the they've gone 3-2 both straight-up and against-the-spread. But word is Paul could return to the floor Wednesday night. So bettors might want to check his status before getting down on this game.

Sunday the Clippers beat Toronto 103-91, covering as 9.5-point home favorites.

Meanwhile, the Lakers started 10-5 but have lost three games in a row, falling at Miami and at Orlando, then getting upset at home by Indiana Sunday 98-96. LA led by 13 after the first quarter, but went on to shoot just 42 percent from the floor for the game, while allowing the Pacers to shoot 47 percent.

The Lakers have hit the 100-point mark just once this season.

So through Monday's play the Clippers, at 9-5, lead the 10-8 Lakers by a game in the Pacific Division.

Statistically speaking the Lakers are shooting just 26 percent from 3-point land this season, while the Clippers are hitting just 66 percent of their free-throws.

This is the second of four meetings between these two teams this season. In the first meeting, 10 days ago, the Clippers never trailed on their way to a 102-94 victory. Kobe scored 42 points, but the rest of the Lakers shot just 21-for-49 from the field. The Clippers covered as 2.5-point favorites, and the game played 'over' its posted total of 188.

Last year the Lakers took three of four games from the Clippers, but of course that was before Mr. Paul came to LA.

The Clippers are 7-7 on the over/unders this season, as their games have averaged 193 points.

The Lakers are 6-12 on the totals, as their games have averaged 183 points.

On the NBA futures betting market the Clippers are getting right around 6/1 to win the Western Conference this season and 10/1 to win the NBA championship, while the Lakers are listed at around 9/2 to win the West and +750 to win the league title.

Betting Pick

The Clippers record is a bit deceiving with them playing 10 of their 14 games at home this season. The Clippers are only 1-3 on the road this season beating only the lowly Warriors in their season opener.
Take the Lakers -3.5 at 5Dimes