The first game for the L.A. Lakers in 2021 will be the “rematch” with the San Antonio Spurs on Friday, and there are some news that would definitely skew both the possible outcome of the game and the line/spread on the New Years Day matchup.
The Lakers already added one victory to their tally on Wednesday when the faced off the Spurs for the first time, but how the game tonight will turn out could be anyone’s guess. The Spurs lost the first matchup 121-107, with great performances by almost everyone on the Lakers team, but there are some bad news for the L.A. fans. Leader LeBron James has just been listed as questionable for the second game against the Spurs with, you guessed it, sprained left ankle.
James first injured the ankle during the season opener loss against the Clippers, and although he was back on the saddle shortly after, helping the team to a sizable victory over the Timberwolves, he aggravated the ankle injury once again. And today he has been listed as “questionable” for the second bout against the Spurs. This means that LeBron will most likely sit out the game, leaving the reigns in the capable hands of Anthony Davis, Kuzma and Gasol. The last time the Lakers were without both LeBron and AD, the rest of the squad had no issues taking control, but the Spurs may prove to be a tougher opponent for the New Years Day game in San Antonio.
The odds makers, however, remain quite confident in the LA Lakers, listing the team as a decent favorite. The line on the Lakers right now is sitting at -260, while the Spurs are underdog with +220 line to bring around an upset on Friday. While the Lakers are favorite with the odds, -260 is obviously a bit different than expected, before the LeBron injury announcement, especially when we consider the 14-point margin of victory in the first matchup just two days ago. There is definitely value to be had with these odds on the Lakers v Spurs game.
The point spread on the L.A. Lakers @ San Antonio Spurs game is -6.5 chalk the Lakers, a clear indicator how LeBron’s absence managed to influence the betting odds quite a bit, even against a team like the Spurs, coming out of back to back losses. Still, the odds makers are expecting quite a bit of action on the court tonight, the total standing at 231 points, with both over and under paying the same.
