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Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs Betting Preview 10/27/18

NBA
Oct 18, 2018; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after dunking against the Portland Trail Blazers in the first half at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

The San Antonio Spurs (2-2) take on the Los Angeles Lakers (2-3) at AT&T Center. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 27, 2018.

The game’s Over/Under (O/U) has been set at 231 points with San Antonio opening as a 1.5-point favorite.

Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs Free Prediction

The last time the Lakers played, they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 121-114, as 1-point underdogs. The combined points for the game (235) finished just over the projected point total of 234.5. The Lakers forced 19 turnovers, while the Nuggets had a free throw rate of 0.174 (below their season average of 0.263). LeBron James played a massive role in the victory for Los Angeles, accumulating 28 points, 11 rebounds and 11 assists on his way to his zeroth triple-double this season.

The Spurs were blown out by the Indiana Pacers in their last outing, 116-96, despite being 1.5-point favorites. The combined points for the game (212) were just over the O/U total of 210.5. Indiana’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over San Antonio. The Pacers had a rate of 0.626 (above their season average of 0.544), while the Spurs posted a mark of 0.437 (below their season average of 0.522). With 15 points and 13 rebounds, San Antonio’s LaMarcus Aldridge put together a good game.

Los Angeles could struggle to create turnovers. Dating back to the 2017-18 season, San Antonio ranks fourth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 12.8 percent), while Los Angeles has forced the 20th-most turnovers (13.3 percent). Moreover, the Lakers’ 21st-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 105.2) will clash against the Spurs’ fourth-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 104.2).

Since last season, the Lakers have had records of 37-50 straight up (SU) and 39-46-2 against the spread (ATS). Games including Los Angeles have finished over the O/U total 55.2 percent of the time since last season.

Meanwhile, the Spurs, are 49-37 SU and 52-48-2 ATS since last season. San Antonio’s games have finished over the O/U total 57.8 percent of the time over that same time frame.

This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Aldridge recorded 37 points, 10 rebounds and five assists and the Spurs, who were 1.5-point underdogs, defeated the Lakers 143-142. The game finished with a total of 285 points, which was 58.5 points above the projected point total of 226.5 points. The Spurs made 28 of their 38 free throws (73.7 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (7.3 vs. 11.2).

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs Betting Pick

Pick: SU Winner – Spurs, ATS Winner – Lakers, O/U – Over

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Notes

Betting Notes (2017-Present):

In games where they hold opponents under 100 points, Los Angeles is 13-5 and San Antonio is 33-11.

The Lakers are 34-32 when they reach the century mark, while the Spurs are 39-16.

San Antonio ranks second in blocks allowed per game (3.9) while Los Angeles ranks 26th (5.4).

The Lakers rank second in fast break points per game (18.2) while the Spurs rank 25th (10.0).

Los Angeles ranks second in points in the paint per game (52.8) while San Antonio ranks 23rd (43.4).

The Spurs rank seventh in points off turnovers allowed per game (14.9) while the Lakers rank 28th (18.1).

San Antonio averages 13.2 second chance points per game, which ranks ninth in the league. Los Angeles ranks 26th in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).

The Spurs rank third in three pointers allowed per game (26.5) while the Lakers rank 17th (30.2).

Los Angeles ranks second in rebounds per game (46.3) while San Antonio ranks 13th (43.9).

The Spurs average 7.5 steals per game, which ranks 16th in the NBA. The Lakers rank 24th in steals allowed per game (8.3).

Los Angeles ranks seventh in assists per game (24.1) while San Antonio ranks ninth in assists allowed per game (22.3).

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Written by GMS Previews

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