The Los Angeles Lakers (23-28 SU, 24-25-2 ATS) complete their trip through the Empire State on Tuesday when they visit the New York Knicks (27-24, 26-23-2) at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks opened as the 1.5-point favorite at home with the total set at 235.5 points. Los Angeles is 4-2 in the last six games between the two teams, but New York has won four of the last five meetings at Madison Square Garden. The OVER is 8-4 in the last 12 meetings as well, so expect a high-scoring affair.
Latest Betting Notes: Lakers
The Lakers suffered their second straight defeat, losing 121-104 to the Brooklyn Nets on Monday. Kyrie Irving led Brooklyn with 26 points while Thomas Bryant (18 points) and Russell Westbrook (17 points, 10 assists) were the top performers for an undermanned Los Angeles squad.
Los Angeles could very well remain short-handed on Tuesday as both LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (foot) are listed as questionable. The pair are averaging a combined 57 points per game this season – nearly half of the team’s offensive production. Needless to say, the Lakers will be hoping that both of them are good to go.
Latest Betting Notes: Knicks
The Knicks also lost to the Brooklyn Nets in their last outing as they fell 122-115 on Saturday. Irving once again topped Brooklyn with 32 points en route to the victory, while Jalen Brunson (26 points), RJ Barrett (24 points) and Julius Randle (19 points, 10 rebounds) all had solid performances for New York despite the loss.
Brunson in particular has taken a big step for the Knicks this month, averaging a team-high 28.1 points per game – nearly six points above his scoring pace on the season. Like the Lakers, the Knicks have been getting the bulk of their offense from a few players as Brunson, Randle and Barrett are combining for 77 points per game in January – more than two-thirds of the team’s scoring.
The Keys to Victory: Lakers
The Lakers really had no chance in their last matchup with both James and Davis sidelined so they’ll likely need at least one of them back in the lineup if they’re going to give the Knicks a run.
Despite dealing with a nagging ankle issue, James has been a monster when in the lineup, scoring 34.3 points per game this month – a span which includes four performances of 40-plus points. Even if he’s not at full health, James’ return alone could very well swing the game in the Lakers’ favor.
The Keys to Victory: Knicks
After cruising through the first two weeks of the new year, the Knicks have hit a bit of a skid, losing five of their last seven games. Offense hasn’t really been an issue as their top trio has been producing consistently, so it’s on the defensive end where they’ll want to improve. New York has given up 120.7 points per game over those last seven contests – certainly not good enough to pick up many wins.
If James and Davis remain out, the Knicks will likely be able to limit the Lakers offense. If they’re back, though, New York will need to be much better defensively in order to earn the win.
