:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68565249/usa_today_15303262.0.jpg)
The NBA season gets going on Tuesday night with a TNT double-header featuring the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers hosting the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center. It won’t be the same type of banner raising for the 2020 NBA Champions after a long trek to the NBA Finals. It’s also a pretty quick turnaround from the last time the Lakers played a playoff game back in October. So LeBron James and Anthony Davis will begin their title defense earlier than expected, this time against Kawhi Leonard, Paul George and the Clippers on Opening Night.
Here we’re going to take a look at the spread for the game, plus a player prop, and give our picks.
Lakers vs. Clippers, 10:00 p.m. TNT
ATS Pick: Clippers +2.5
Finally, we have the battle of Los Angeles to end the night as the Clippers try to erase their horrific playoff run from their memory banks last season. The Clippers come into this season with a different squad as Montrezl Harrell signed with the Lakers and Doc Rivers is the new head coach with the Sixers.
The Clips new head coach is Ty Lue, but they still have Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Lou Williams, and Pat Beverley. And they added Serge Ibaka, which is huge on both ends of the floor and should be an upgrade over Harrell.
The Lakers also made some additions to revamp their roster for a repeat. They added Denis Schroder, Wesley Matthews, Marc Gasol, and Harrell. They also still got that LeBron James guy and Anthony Davis.
With all that being said, I like the Clippers as the 2.5-point underdogs. Looking back at their matchups last season, it always came down to final minutes in the fourth quarter. Both teams know each other and want to prove they are kings of Los Angeles.
Player Prop: Serge Ibaka over 12.5 points
For this player prop, I’m going to go out on a limb and say that Ibaka scores over 12.5 points on Tuesday night. For the Clippers to have success this season, they are going to need a consistent third or fourth scorer. Ibaka can be that guy for them just like he was with the Raptors over the last few seasons.
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) (IL). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/MI/PA/WV), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (CO/NH), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA) or Call or Text the TN REDLINE: 800-889-9789. 21+ (18+ NH). NJ/PA/WV/IA/IN/CO/IL/TN/MI only. Eligibility restrictions apply. See draftkings.com/sportsbook for full terms and conditions.