The New York Knicks (13-13) square off with the Los Angeles Lakers (10-15) at Madison Square Garden. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, December 12, 2017.
The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 212 points with New York opening as a 3.5-point favorite.
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks Free Prediction
In the Lakers’ last outing, they defeated the Charlotte Hornets, 110-99. Los Angeles’ free throw rate was their largest advantage over Charlotte. The Lakers had a rate of 0.176 (matching their season average), while the Hornets posted a mark of 0.097 (below their season average of 0.245). Los Angeles was lifted by Kyle Kuzma, who contributed 12 points and 14 rebounds.
The Knicks defeated the Atlanta Hawks in their last outing, 111-107. New York’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Atlanta. The Knicks had a rate of 11.2 (better than their season average of 14.4), while the Hawks posted a mark of 15.1. Kristaps Porzingis was the game’s leading scorer with 30 points on 10-for-23 shooting.
It will be a battle of opposite tempos as the fast-paced Lakers (ranked first in the league in possessions per game) will look to push the more grind-it-out Knicks (19th in possessions per game).
Los Angeles comes into the contest with records of 10-15 straight up (SU) and 12-13 against the spread (ATS). Of the Lakers’ 25 games, 14 have finished under the total.
Meanwhile, New York is 13-13 SU and 14-12 ATS. Games involving the Knicks also have finished under the total 53.8 percent of the time.
Brandon Ingram has averaged 21.6 points and 6.0 rebounds over the last five games for Los Angeles.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last contest, the Lakers won 121-107. Los Angeles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (37.0 vs. 14.6). New York, on the other hand, did a fantastic job of getting and making free throws (26-33; 78.8 percent).
Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Knicks, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Los Angeles is 5-7 ATS with 8 unders and 4 overs.
New York is 12-5 ATS at home with 9 unders and 8 overs.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Los Angeles is 5-2 and New York is 6-0.
The Knicks are 12-6 when they reach 100 points, while the Lakers are 10-8.
Los Angeles ranks second in fast break points per game (15.6) while New York ranks 29th (6.0).
The Knicks rank second in points allowed in the paint per game (39.5) while the Lakers rank 28th (49.6).
New York ranks first in rebounds allowed per game (39.4) while Los Angeles ranks 24th (45.8).
The Lakers rank eighth in steals per game (8.4) while the Knicks rank 26th (6.8).
New York averages 14.5 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 20th in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
The Lakers rank third in blocks per game (5.7) while the Knicks rank 18th (4.5).
Los Angeles ranks 19th in three pointers allowed per game (29.5) while New York ranks 29th (32.6).
The Knicks average 16.3 points off turnovers per game, which ranks 18th in the league. The Lakers rank 28th in points off turnovers allowed per game (19.6).
New York averages 23.0 assists per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 13th in assists allowed per game (22.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
New York is 1-4 ATS with 2 overs, 2 unders and 1 push over their last five games.
The Lakers’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 5.6, up from 2.7 for the season.
During their last five games, the Knicks have scored an average of 101.8 points per game (2.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 103.8 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
