Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs: Picks, Predictions and Odds

The reigning NBA Cup champion Los Angeles Lakers get their title defense underway on Friday evening as they take on the San Antonio Spurs.

This pair could not have had more contrasting fortunes in the inaugural in-season tournament, as the Lakers enjoyed a perfect four wins from four in the group stage before beating the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans and then the Indiana Pacers to lift the trophy. 

The Spurs, meanwhile, lost all four of their games, an unsurprising fact given they finished rock-bottom of the Western Conference come April. 

However, San Antonio are coming off the back of a huge result against the Sacramento Kings and are just one win worse off than the Lakers, making Friday’s clash an intriguing one. 

Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs betting picks and predictions

Lakers Money Line (-140)

JJ Redick has made a strong start to life with the Lakers, going 7-4 in his opening 11 games in one of the most high-pressure coaching roles in the NBA - a record which is made all the more impressive by the fact it is his first ever professional coaching gig. 

The Lakers have won three games in a row, with the most recent in that run being an impressive 128-123 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, and they look to be worthy favorites for this trip to San Antonio. 

When the in-season tournament was introduced last term, it was difficult to tell which teams would take it seriously. Although the games act as regular-season matches, due to the potential of an extra fixture if making the final, it could have been seen as a distraction by some contenders. 

Los Angeles fall just outside the category of genuine contenders, though, due to a somewhat ageing squad, so it was no surprise to see them go all in for the NBA Cup, something they may look to do again. 

The fact they have lost four of their five road games this term is a slight concern but, barring a defeat in Detroit, those losses have come against very talented sides, namely the Grizzlies, Cavaliers and Suns. 

The Spurs are unlikely to put up as much resistance as those outfits and could come up short against the Lakers, just as they have done in six of the past seven meetings between the storied rivals. 

All eyes will be on Victor Wembanyama following his 50-point performance against the Washington Wizards last time and any success the Spurs do have will likely come through their French superstar. 

Wemby made eight of his three-pointers in that monumental performance, while also registering three blocks and six rebounds. The onus will be on him to help San Antonio to a first ever win in the NBA Cup, but he may fall short in that goal. 

Anthony Davis has been one of the standout performers in the league this season and he deservedly tops the KIA MVP Ladder at current. 

The Lakers star is averaging 30.2 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game this term, while his efficiency is also sky-high, shooting 56 percent from the field and 40 percent from three. 

He also remains an excellent defender and he has the tools to stop Wemby and get his side over the line on Friday. 

Over 229.5 points (-110)

Given the Lakers rank sixth in both offensive and defensive rating in the NBA this term, it is fair to say their games are usually full of points. 

Redick’s style is clearly attack-first and with LeBron James, Davis, Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell all capable of lighting up teams, it is easy to see why he has opted for that approach.

James became the oldest player in NBA history to record three straight triple doubles in the Lakers’ win over the Grizzlies, and his experience and continued brilliance should help his side to another victory in a thriller. 

No less than 251 points were scored in that clash and it would be no surprise to see a similar level of action in San Antonio, with the Spurs’ last match featuring a ludicrous 269. 

Each of the pair’s three meetings last term featured well over 230 points and it could pay to back a scoring frenzy in Texas on Friday. 

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Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs odds

Los Angeles Lakers	-140 ML
San Antonio Spurs	+120 ML
Spread	LA -2.5
Total Points	O/U 229.5

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.