Brooklyn Nets vs Los Angeles Lakers Betting Odds, Preview, Prediction — February 18, 2021
2021 NBA Nets vs. Lakers Odds & Preview
When: Thursday, February 18, 10:00 PM ET
Where: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles
TV: ESPN, NBA TV
Radio: 710 ESPNLA
Live Stream: NBA League Pass
Odds: Brooklyn Nets (TBA) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (TBA)
Brooklyn Nets Betting Background
It didn’t take the Lakers much time to get back into the win column following their loss in Mile High City to the Denver Nuggets on Valentine’s Day, as LeBron James helped his team put the “win” in Twin City in a 112-104 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Lakers survived that game despite missing Anthony Davis, who’s already been declared out for multiple weeks because of a right calf strain. With Davis sidelined, the Lakers need James to put up a strong performance on an almost nightly basis.James Harden steps back and buries the go-ahead triple!@BrooklynNets 126@Suns 124
— NBA (@NBA) February 17, 2021
29.8 left on TNT, PHX ball. pic.twitter.com/Qw146MJwrY
James had 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists in the win over Minnesota, and he is now averaging 25.7 points per game on 50.4 FG% this season. Kyle Kuzma sputtered with only seven points in 36 minutes, but he was not really looking for his shots, going just 3 of 6 from the field. Brooklyn’s awful defense can see Kuzma and the Lakers be more aggressive offensively, however.
The Nets are 28th in the NBA in scoring defense (117.7 points), at the time of this writing. Consider that when deciding on which side to bet on Nets vs. Lakers odds.Brooklyn Nets Betting Trends
- The Nets are 2-0 ATS in their last two road games.
- The Over is 3-0 in the Nets’ last three road games.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Background
Life is good when your team has three legitimate superstars. Take for example the Nets, who, despite playing without Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant managed to beat the Phoenix Suns in a come-from-behind 128-124 win in the valley.The Nets outscored Phoenix in the fourth quarter, 40-24, and in the process extended their winning streak to four games. Without Irving and Durant, the Nets were left with just one superstar in James Harden against the Suns. Jarden carried the Nets by unloading 38 points and dishing out 11 assists. Irving was scratched from the game because of a back problem, which could force him out for Thursday’s matchup against the Lakers.
What’s certain is that Brooklyn won’t have Durant against the reigning NBA champions due to a left hamstring strain. That the Nets scored nearly 130 points even without Irving and Durant tells a lot about this team’s offensive prowess behind the playmaking of Harden. The Nets are scoring 121.4 points at the time of this writing, No. 1 in the NBA overall.
Irving’s availability could have an impact on the Nets vs. Lakers odds, so that’s one thing bettors should monitor.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Trends
- The Lakers are 5-0 in their last five home games.
- The Lakers are 2-1 in their last three games.
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Nets vs Lakers Predictions
This game will be a classic offense vs defense clash. The Lakers have an elite defense, while the Nets will be coming over to Tinseltown with a high-flying scoring attack. Not having Anthony Davis is tough for the Lakers, but James is there to fill in the void, plus they can win this game by relying on their offense against Brooklyn’s uninspiring defense.
The Nets, on the other hand, are hoping they can have Kyrie Irving back to help out on offense alongside former NBA MVP James Harden. The Lakers are under. 500 ATS (5-8) at home this season, which is a good sign for Nets bettors.
This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at NitroBetting news. Stay tuned for more NBA game previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on the sportsbook.
*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice
