LA LAKERS -9 over LA Clippers
It will be a battle for Staples Center bragging rights tonight when the Los Angeles Clippers square off with the Los Angeles Lakers. The Clips have now lost seven of their last nine games, most recently an 89-87 home setback to the Atlanta Hawks. Meanwhile, the Lakers have won four straight and 11 of their last 13 games. In their latest win, a 106-101 home triumph over the Seattle SuperSonics, Kobe Bryant scored 41 points.
Kobe has now netted at least 40 points for nine straight games, matching the best such run of Michael Jordan's career, set during the 1986-87 season. Wilt Chamberlain holds the NBA record with 14 straight games with at least 40 points, setting the mark during the 1961-62 campaign. Obviously there will be a special feel to this game as Bryant tries to surpass Jordan. We expect the entire team to step up their game here also, as Lakers coach Phil Jackson just underwent surgery to remove kidney stones and is likely to miss the first game of his NBA coaching career tonight. This will technically be a home game for the Lakers even though the Clippers also call the Staples Center home, so the crowd will decidedly be for the Lakers. Along with Jackson, Samaki Walker is also doubtful for the Lakers tonight, which is likely the reason for the line dropping from Lakers -10 to -9. Even at -10 we liked the world champs here, as they are 9-2 ATS at home off 2 or more home games, including a perfect 5-0 as a double-digit favorite. At Staples off 2 home wins, the Lakers are also an unblemished 7-0 ATS. As a double-digit home fave off a home win in which they failed to cover as a favorite of 10+ points, they are a strong 6-1 ATS.
The Clippers have faded out of postseason contention and consistently only with their inconsistency. They continually follow up a good performance with a poor showing, and off a single bad outing they can be counted on for at least one more. Off ONE SU/ATS loss, the Clips are a frightening 0-9 ATS, including dropping all 7 such opportunities this season. While they may be focusing on Bryant and keeping him from hitting 40, Shaquille O'Neal should simply have his way, especially with Michael Olowokandi still out for the Clippers. They have other injury concerns as well with guards Keyon Dooling and Cory Maggette questionable and forward Wang Zhizhi resting his ailing back.
The Lakers are on a team mission while #8 is on his personal mission. That should add up to a superior effort here and a double-digit win for the champions.
PROJECTED FINAL SCORE: LA LAKERS 104 LA CLIPPERS 91