Sunday’s 10-game NBA schedule is headlined in part by an afternoon showdown on ABC between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers. New York comes in with a 41-23 record, good for third place in the Eastern Conference. At 38-25, Los Angeles holds onto the top six in the West.
Let’s get into my Knicks vs. Lakers.
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers odds
Money line: Knicks -160 / Lakers +135
Spread: Knicks -3.5 (-115) / Lakers +3.5 (-110)
Total: Over 228.5 (-110) / Under 228.5 (-110)
New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Knicks -3.5 (-110)
New York has won four of the last five times entering this tough battle inside Crypto.com Arena, with its only loss during that span coming by three points to defending champion OKC. The Knicks have actually been playing stellar basketball for a long time, as they are 16-5 in their last 21 games. They are currently on a five game road trip and it started with a 142-103 win at Denver on Friday. OG Anunoby poured in 34 points and Karl-Anthony Towns produced his fifth straight double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Plus, the Knicks are the healthiest they’ve been all season. Everyone except Miles McBride (out until the playoffs following spinal surgery) is good to go.
The Lakers are pretty healthy right now, too, although Deandre Ayton is questionable with a knee injury. LeBron James is probably for Sunday despite a minor elbow problem. Given that he may be less than 100 percent, the 41-year-old’s recent struggles may continue. LeBron has been held below his season-long points per game average (21.4) in six of eight games since the All-Star break. Ayton has been out of action lately, so LA can’t feel good about their presence in the paint even if they qualify for this contest.
