The Los Angeles Lakers head to Madison Square Garden this Tuesday night to face off against the New York Knicks for the first time in 2021-22. Los Angeles continues its five-game road trip on the east coast, while New York opens a two-game homestand, so let’s see what’s the best Lakers vs. Knicks betting pick.
LA misses Kendrick Nunn (knee) and Austin Reaves (hamstring), while LeBron James is questionable to play. On the other side, New York is without Mitchell Robinson (concussion) and Taj Gibson (groin), and Derrick Rose is listed as questionable due to an ankle injury.
The Lakers beat Detroit to snap a three-game skidÂ
The Los Angeles Lakers (9-9; 6-12 ATS) put an end to their three-game losing streak last Sunday, outlasting the lowly Detroit Pistons as 7-point road favorites, 121-116. LA overcame a 17-point second-half deficit thanks to excellent fourth-quarter performance, while Anthony Davis led the way with 30 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, five blocks, and four steals.
LeBron James had 10 points and five dimes before getting ejected for elbowing Isaiah Stewart. James is facing a one-game suspension which is the reason why he’s listed as questionable for Tuesday’s clash at The Garden.
The Lakers are playing at the second-fastest pace in the NBA, averaging 102.2 possessions per 48 minutes. They are scoring just 105.6 points per 100 possessions (23rd in the NBA) while surrendering 109.1 in a return (20th).
The Knicks’ iffy form continues Â
The New York Knicks (9-8; 7-10 ATS) are coming off a 109-103 defeat at the Chicago Bulls this past Sunday. It was the Knicks’ fourth loss in the last six games and seventh over their previous 11 outings at any location, as the Knicks continue to struggle.
Julius Randle led the charge against the Bulls, finishing with 34 points and 10 rebounds, but the rest of the starting lineup combined for a paltry 25 points. The Knicks shot only 41.7% from the field and 25.9% from beyond the arc, handing out 16 assists and committing 14 turnovers.
New York is playing at the ninth-slowest pace in the league, registering 97.1 possessions per 48 minutes. The Knicks are tallying 109.1 points per 100 possessions (tied-11th in the NBA) while yielding 108.6 in a return (17th).
Trends:
LA Lakers:
- 6-14 ATS in the last 20 games overall
- 1-4 ATS in the last five games on the road
- 0-5 ATS in the last five games against the Atlantic Division
NY Knicks:
- 5-1 ATS in the last six games against the Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks Pick
The Lakers are playing on the first day of a back-to-back set, so it’s unknown who’ll be available for the Knicks game. Even if LeBron James avoids suspension, the Lakers might decide to rest their best player, who’s just recently recovered from an abdomen injury.
It’s tough to pick the winner with so many question marks, as LeBron’s absence would be a huge blow for the Lakers, while the Knicks might miss Derrick Rose, who’s averaging 12.6 points and 3.8 assists over his last ten appearances. Both teams have been struggling as of late, so I’m going with the Knicks because of their home-court advantage. Also, the Lakers have covered only once in their last six meetings with the Knicks.
Pick: Take New York Knicks
The Total:
Three of the last four encounters between the Lakers and Knicks went in the under, but the over is 7-3 over their previous 10 head-to-head duels. This is the clash of the two different systems, and I think the Knicks will manage to slow down the tempo and force the Lakers into half-court basketball.
Only one of the Knicks’ last five games has produced more than 200 points in total. On the other side, four of the Lakers’ last five contests have produced 220 or more points in total.
Pick: Go under
