How to handle betting Clippers vs. Lakers on Christmas Day [UPDATE]

UPDATE: LeBron and AD are officially available to play tonight vs. the Clippers, per coach Frank Vogel.

UPDATE: LeBron and Davis are both expected to play on Christmas vs. the Clippers, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Tuesday.

Arguably, this is most anticipated game on the NBA schedule. The Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers are the two favorites to win the NBA Championship. At +300, the have identical odds to win the title.

For all the hype this game comes with, there’s currently an asterisk. Both Anthony Davis and LeBron James are questionable to play. Obviously, these are huge names and the outlook of the game completely changes depending on whether these MVP candidates are available to play.

Clipper vs. Lakers spread, over/under, money line

Spread: Lakers (-2)
Over/Under: 223.5
Money line: Lakers (-132), Clippers (+112)

I don’t even know what to make of this game at first glance. It seems to be priced as if James and Davis will both play, which probably isn’t a terrible expectation. They are going to do everything possible to get ready for this game and we know the NBA wouldn’t be thrilled with stars sitting in a premier game on National TV. Still, we can’t look past the injury report. If either LeBron or AD sit, this certainly seems like a game the Clippers would run away with. The only other time these teams played, the Clippers beat the Lakers by 10 on opening night. They didn’t have Paul George active for that game and we should expect the Clips to be at full strength for this game, which can’t be said for the Lakers. If both James and Davis play, I lean slightly towards the Clippers. If either or both are out, the Lakers are in trouble.

Note: Bets and DFS players will lock at those specific game times.

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