Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Spread, Line, Odds, Predictions, and Algorithm Picks from the SportsGrid Betting Model

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers NBA Game Information

Clippers (0-0) vs Lakers (0-0)

Date: Tuesday, December 22

Time: 10:00 p.m. ET

Venue: Staples Center

TV Coverage: TNT

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Moneyline, Spread, Total, and Odds

Moneyline: Clippers +136 Lakers -159

Spread: Lakers -6 (-110) Clippers +6 (-110) 

Total: 219.5 (-113)

Odds to Win NBA Championship: Clippers +650 Lakers +270

Odds courtesy of Fanduel Sportsbook. Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook today and get your first bet risk free for up to $1,000!

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers News and Notes

In what could be a preview of the NBA Western Conference Finals, the Clippers are in “town" to face the Lakers. The Clippers technically the visitor at LA’s Staples Center for this blockbuster of a season opener. 

Unlike the other season opener tonight between the Warriors and Nets, these two teams did not have a long offseason layoff. Of course, the Lakers went all the way and played their last game on October 11. LA’s other team played their last game of the season a month earlier after getting upset by the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the West Semis.

The Lakers biggest offseason addition was snatched right off the Clippers roster as LA signed reigning Sixth Man of the Year Montrezl Harrell. Harrell’s coming off his top NBA season, scoring a career-best 18.6 and pro high 7.1 rebounds per game. The other big addition for the Lakers was Dennis Schroder, who was also in the sixth man running. The former Hawk put up almost 19 points per game last year for the Thunder. 

Despite the two big additions, LA will again lean on their big two in LeBron James and Anthony Davis to carry the load. Davis is coming off a fantastic playoff run averaging over 28 points per game to go along with 9.5 boards and 1.4 blocks. LeBron was LeBron taking his fourth Finals MVP award.

On the other side of town, the Clippers were fairly quiet in the offseason after showing interest in Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul. They will continue to preach defense this season where new acquisition Serge Ibaka should help. Ibaka is a bit of an upgrade on that end of the floor as well as in playoff experience compared to the outgoing Harrell.

Kawhi Leonard will be the leader of that defense and the man on the offensive side. The perennial MVP candidate will look to improve on his first season in LA, where he averaged 27.1 points and 7.1 rebounds.

LA will hope for more from Paul George this season as the former Pacer had his least productive offensive season since 2013.

Marcus Morris won’t suit up for the Clippers, with Nicolas Batum expected to start in his place. Lakers’ addition Schroder missed the final preseason game with an ankle injury but will be available for the opener. 

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers Predictions and Picks

SG Betting Model Win Probability: Clippers 30.42% | Lakers 69.58%

SG Betting Model ML Star Rating: Lakers 4 stars

SG Betting Model Spread Star Rating: Lakers 3 stars

SG Betting Model Total Star Rating: Under 4 stars

Check Out the SportsGrid Betting Model For Live Odds and Predictions on Updated Odds 

Note: The SportsGrid betting model changes throughout the day to adjust for player news and injuries. Be sure to check out the updated model projections as the news continues to break, leading up to game time.