Nets vs Lakers prediction, picks and odds for tonight’s NBA game

The Los Angeles Lakers have fallen into a slump with three losses in four games, but they get a golden opportunity to build a miniature two-game winning streak against the lowly Brooklyn Nets on Friday.

I’ll focus on the continued success of the home team on offense in my Nets vs Lakers predictions, and explain why Brooklyn should have a rare edge on that side of the floor with its emphasis on interior scoring.

Let’s dig into some NBA player props and hand out some NBA picks on Friday, January 17th.

Nets vs Lakers prediction

My best bet
Over 217.5 (-110 at bet365)

My analysis
The Los Angeles Lakers’ recent uptick in production appears to be sustainable offensively, with the team initially finding success against poor defenses but maintaining their progress in recent games. Yes, they have run into a rough patch with recent losses, laying two eggs against the Dallas Mavericks and Miami Heat, but they also found life against the Miami Heat and Houston Rockets.

Currently, LA is 11th in efficiency rating at the end of this month and will take one of the most evenly distributed shooting charts in the league into this game against a Brooklyn Nets defense that has been the second worst in basketball over the last 17 days.

Brooklyn has given up a ton of looks at the rim, ranking in the bottom 10 of the league, and while it has limited 3-point looks, it has defended the arc at the third-worst clip.

LA has caught fire from those two areas, ranking in the top 10 in the league in shooting accuracy and owning the third-best field goal percentage at the rim this year according to Cleaning the Glass.

However, the same story can be laid out for this defense, which has struggled of late and has had a particularly difficult time defending the rim. Brooklyn’s lone strength has been its ability to convert shots from close to points, and the Lakers are down to 29th in rim defense while allowing a ton of looks from that area.

Brooklyn may have its fair share of injuries to deal with, missing its leading man on offense in Cam Thomas and facing the possibility of losing Cameron Johnson for this game, but it is healthy in the frontcourt and has proven to have the depth , required to maintain a plan of attack within.

While neither team ranks particularly high in Pace, the Nets have risen through the ranks in recent weeks and should create a more up-tempo feel here as they look to make up for the shortcomings of their defense, which should only grow more worrying against a trendy crime. I expect both teams to continue to force the issue inside and points there should be easy to come by.

Nets vs Lakers parlay in same game

Above 217.5

Max Christie 10+ points

Day’Ron Sharpe Over 5.5 rebounds

As we look to attack the Nets inside, I’m going to skip Anthony Davis due to the fact that his point total is up and could likely be a bit of a problem with oddsmakers expecting a blowout win for the home team here.

Instead, Max Christie will be my target. The young wing has ranked just outside the top 40% at his position in shot attempts at the rim, also focusing on the 3-ball, where the Nets have been equally abysmal on defense. He’s hit that number in four straight games as he continues to receive more playing time from JJ Redick, and twice played 37 minutes or more in the last five games — getting at least 30 in all of them despite some exhausts.

So I think it’s hard to look past this number on Day’Ron Sharpe on the glass. He’s led the team in rebound rate this month by a wide margin at an amazing 19%, and he’s tallied five or more in all but one of his eight games, averaging just 20.8 minutes. If this one turns into a blowout, he’ll only see more playing time, but I have faith in him here since the Nets have actually ranked significantly higher than the Lakers on the boards this month. He also shouldn’t have to battle Anthony Davis for rebounds given that he plays on the floor in addition to his spot on the second unit.

Learn how to bet on the same game with these helpful tips and strategies.

Nets vs Lakers odds

Nets vs Lakers live odds

Nets vs Lakers opening odds

• Spread: Brooklyn +11 | Los Angeles -11
• Moneyline: Brooklyn +425 | Los Angeles -575
• Over/Under: Above 217.5 | Below 217.5

Odds provided by bet365

Nets vs Lakers spread and Over/Under analysis

• The spread moved to 12 fairly quickly but has since fallen back to the opening number of 11 with just a momentary move to 10.5.
• The Lakers make up 58% of the tickets and 58% of the money bet on the spread.
• The total took a dive to 217 at the open, and moved down again by half a point before settling around 217.5 on Friday afternoon.
• Over has accounted for 77% of the total handle and 74% of the stakes.

Nets vs Lakers trend

The Brooklyn Nets have hit the 1Q Moneyline in 21 of their last 36 road games (+22.55 units / 59% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Nets vs. Lakers.

How to watch Nets vs Lakers

Nets vs Lakers latest injuries

Pages related to this topic