Lakers vs Nets Odds & Picks: Lakers Favored On Road With Durant, Irving Out

The Los Angeles Lakers (23-24 SU, 19-28 ATS) visit the Brooklyn Nets (29-17, 18-27-1) as small road favorites Tuesday at Barclays Center. The Lakers are 2-5 in their last seven games while the Nets are 3-3 in their last six outings. Which team has the edge? Find out with our Lakers vs Nets prediction.

Lakers vs Nets Odds & Analysis

Sportsbook Odds

Los Angeles surprisingly opened as the 2.5-point favorite despite being on the road, though Kevin Durant’s absence certainly played a big factor in the oddsmakers’ decision. The total was set at 226 points with the OVER going 7-2 in the Lakers’ last nine games. Brooklyn is 1-7 ATS in its last eight home games while Los Angeles is 2-5 ATS in its last seven contests.

Get the best Lakers vs Nets odds and lines available from our recommended sportsbooks for your favorite picks of the night.

Lakers Could Get Boost With Davis’ Likely Return

The Lakers fell 113-107 to the Miami Heat in their last outing on Sunday despite a 33-point, 11-rebound effort from LeBron James. Russell Westbrook also had a strong showing with 24 points plus nine boards and nine assists, narrowly missing the triple-double.

With just two wins over their last seven games, the Lakers have wasted a ton of great performances from James. The 37-year-old has been scoring at a prolific rate, averaging just over 30 points per game since the start of December. James’ season scoring rate of 29 points per contest is second in the NBA to Durant (29.3 points).

Los Angeles could get a huge boost on Tuesday as Anthony Davis (knee) is listed as probable. The star forward has not played since December 17.

Nets Trying To Stay Afloat Without Durant

The Nets lost 136-125 in their last game to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday. Kyrie Irving scored 30 points to lead Brooklyn while James Harden added 13 points and 13 assists for a double-double.

Brooklyn has managed to stay afloat in Durant’s absence with a record of 2-2 in the four games since he went down with a knee injury. The team’s leading scorer is expected to be sidelined for at least four to six weeks, meaning Harden and Irving will need to step up and carry the load for at least the next month. However, there will be another twist to consider in our Lakers vs Nets prediction as Irving is unable to play at home due to New York’s vaccination mandate.

Nic Claxton (hamstring) is questionable while Paul Millsap (personal) is out after having requested a trade last week.

Lakers vs Nets Pick & Insights

Lakers: Keys To Cover

Scoring hasn’t been a problem for Los Angeles – and it shouldn’t be in this matchup, especially if Davis does return – but the Lakers will want to tighten up a bit on the defensive side, having allowed 112.7 points per game this season (27th). Not having to guard Durant or Irving should certainly help the Lakers’ chances too.

Nets: Keys To Cover

The Nets are in tough without two of their top three players, which makes it difficult to back Brooklyn in any Lakers vs Nets prediction. Harden will likely need to pop off for 30-plus points to keep his team in the game, while LaMarcus Aldridge and Patty Mills will also be counted on to play big minutes and put up some points if Brooklyn is going to have a chance.

Odds Shark’s Computer Lakers vs Nets Prediction: Nets +3

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