Clippers vs Lakers NBA Analysis, Odds, and Best Bet (3/2)

We’ve got the NBA’s ‘Battle of Los Angeles’ on a Sunday night. The Clippers go back into their old home in Crypto.com Arena formerly known as the Staples Center. LA vs. LA. These two teams are running it back after playing Friday. Let’s talk hoops.

Game Information

• Crypto.com Arena Los Angeles, California
• Los Angeles Clippers (32-27) visit the (37-21) Los Angeles Lakers
• Previous Matchup: LAL Win 106-102 February 28th, 2025

Los Angeles Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers

On Friday the purple and gold got a win over the red, blue and white. The two LA area teams see themselves as a contender. There’s star power, talented role players and good coaches on both sides. Short spread here so we should see another good game.

The Clippers have faded a little bit since their hot start. They still sit sixth in the Western Conference. Harden has been carrying a large load while Kawhi Leonard continues to be on a minutes restriction. The other LA team should be praised for their competitive season, but this feels like a good regular season team that will get bounced out in round 1.

The LeLakers have been utterly fantastic. Much to the chagrin of Varun Sharma. JJ Redick has crafted a top ten defence with an offence that leans on its stars. When your stars are LeBron James and Luka Dončić this is a good game plan. The supporting cast has been excellent as well.

Here are three straight possessions of Luka Dončić absolutely destroying Zubac on the switch. https://t.co/aV4e9sursH pic.twitter.com/JCic4YfKyJ

— 🎗NBA•Fan🎗 (@Klutch_23) March 1, 2025

NBA Game Analysis

The Clippers have an impressive defence. They rank 4th in points allowed, 3rd in steals and 3rd in offensive rebounds allowed. They also limit second chance points very well. This allows for a team with the 21st ranked scoring offence to succeed. Ty Lue’s squad gets stops. If they are to win this game then James Harden will need to improve on his 1-10 showing from three last game. Their defence keeps them in games and then their offence lets them down.

The Lakers are 22nd in fast break point defence. The Clippers should look to exploit this with their 9th ranked fast break scoring offence. They bested their cross town rivals in that category last game however they ended up losing because they went 9-37 from three and had 18 turnovers.

Kawhi Leonard played a season high 38 minutes last game. He showed flashes of his prime self. We can hope his minutes continue to remain high but with his extensive injury history it is very tough to bet on. It should be noted that he averaged 8.7 rebounds & assists in February on limited minutes. He also scored over 20 in 3 of his last 4. The Klaw might be back fully.

On Friday, every single Lakers starter had a negative +/-. They still won the game because every single Clippers bench player had a negative +/- as well. This iteration of the Lakers is much deeper than some fans realize. Their bench has decent scorers and active defenders. Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin combined for 7 steals off the bench.

NBA Best Bet: James Harden o8.5 Assists (-140)

Pay. The. Juice Man.

James Harden has hit this line in 6 straight head-to-head. He has also hit this line in 14 of his last 20. With Kawhi Leonard back that should mean Harden gets more assist opportunities. The Lakers defence is actually weaker defending teams that swing the ball. They are 17th in assist-to-turnover ratio. Harden is a polarizing player, but he finds ways to win consistently. The Clippers are a tough team to beat twice in a row. If they have a good game then Harden should pile up assists. I expect the Zubac/Harden pick and roll to be heavily featured against the Lakers 17th ranked paint defence.

James Harden has spent over six figures on Arizona State’s roster.

Many NBA players FOS talked to prefer traditional ways of giving to their alma maters—like donating gear or funds for facilities—but Harden is bringing talent to Tempe via NIL.

Is he starting a trend?

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) March 2, 2025

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