Los Angeles Lakers (14-9) vs. San Antonio Spurs (3-19)
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs 12/15/23 – The Los Angeles Lakers take on the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night in a Western Conference matchup. Both teams are looking to turn their seasons around, with the veteran Lakers trying to find more consistency and the young Spurs still searching for an identity. This NBA free predictions piece will break down the key stats and trends to make LA Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs intriguing picks.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been solid at home with a 9-3 record but just 5-6 on the road. After a strong start, LeBron James and Anthony Davis have cooled off a bit during a recent 1-4 stretch. But with a healthier roster now, the Lakers should fare better against weaker opponents like the Spurs.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs own the NBA’s worst record and longest current losing streak at 10 games. Victor Wembanyama has shown tremendous potential by averaging 18.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. But San Antonio’s lack of overall talent and experience has resulted in a lot of lopsided losses.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs Game Info
| When: | Friday, December 15, 2023, at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Frost Bank Center |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
LeBron James (SF) vs. ictor Wembanyama (C)
In his 21st NBA season, LeBron James continues to defy father time by ranking 5th in the league in scoring (25 ppg) to go along with 7.5 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game. His combination of size, athleticism and court vision could pose major problems for the Spurs defense. However, James’s energy wanes at times and his outside shooting has fallen off this year.
Victor Wembanyama has flashed superstar potential thanks to his rare blend of size, skills and mobility. He leads all first-year players in scoring (18.8 ppg), rebounding (10.6 rpg) and blocks (2.8 bpg). Yet being San Antonio’s lone go-to option also results in lots of turnovers and questionable shot selection. Wembanyama must also prove he can handle defending an elite player like LeBron over long stretches.
This marquee matchup of past vs. future faces of the NBA presents an intriguing clash of styles. James boasts the veteran savvy and IQ to exploit Wembanyama’s inexperience, while Victor’s athletic gifts could challenge LeBron at the other end. Whichever star takes control of this game likely determines the outcome
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
While the betting odds are still to be determined, they will play a crucial role in informing betting strategies. The Los Angeles Lakers are likely favorites, but the Spurs’ potential for an upset should not be underestimated.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
The Los Angeles Lakers are 4-1 against the spread (ATS) over their last five games. They also own a solid 5-3 ATS record as road favorites this season. Los Angeles clearly plays up or down to the level of competition, resulting in more covers versus weaker clubs like San Antonio.
San Antonio Spurs Betting Trends
The San Antonio Spurs have posted a 2-8 ATS record in their last 10 contests, frequently falling short of betting market expectations. San Antonio also struggles at home with an NBA-worst 1-10 straight up record and just a 3-8 ATS mark at the Frost Bank Center arena.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs 12/15/23 Betting Picks
Considering the teams’ performances and betting trends, the Lakers seem to be a strong pick for this matchup. Their offensive efficiency and LeBron’s leadership are key advantages. However, the Spurs’ ability to score and Wembanyama’s impact cannot be completely ignored.
In terms of betting, while the Los Angeles Lakers are the safer pick, there might be value in prop bets, especially regarding individual performances. The over/under will depend largely on the San Antonio Spurs’ ability to keep up with the Lakers’ scoring pace. For those seeking pro handicapper’s picks, it’s advisable to monitor the spread and total points closely as the game approaches.
Free Pick and Prediction: Los Angeles Lakers 115, San Antonio Spurs 102