Knicks Try to Clinch Playoff Spot in Hollywood

The Knicks (38-30 SU, 43-24-1 ATS) are on the verge of their first postseason berth in seven years after Sunday’s upset of the Clippers. New York shoots for the Staples Center sweep when it closes a six-game road trip against the Lakers (38-30, 31-36-1), who are still fighting for a top-six spot in the West.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The anticipated return of LeBron James led oddsmakers to open the Lakers as 7-point favorites. LA was a 1-point underdog last month when it lost 111-96 at New York without James or Anthony Davis in the lineup.

New York News & Notes

The Knicks could end their seven-year playoff drought tonight with a win over the Lakers and a Boston loss against the Heat. But even if New York doesn’t clinch tonight, the Knicks are well-positioned to claim a top-six spot in the East with three winnable home games remaining against the Spurs, Hornets and Celtics.

New York’s magic number to clinch a playoff berth dropped to two with Sunday’s 106-100 win over the Clippers that snapped the Knicks’ brief two-game losing skid and moved them to 13-3 SU in their last 16.

Derrick Rose sparked New York off the bench with 25 points — 19 of them in the first half when he was 9-for-10 from the floor — while Reggie Bullock hit five three-pointers and finished with 24 points. Those contributions enabled New York to pull off the upset despite off-nights from Julius Randle (14 points on 7-of-19 shooting) and R.J. Barrett (18).

Rose may need to be the hot hand again tonight with the rest of New York’s backcourt in disarray. Starting point guard Elfrid Payton scored just two points Sunday and was replaced by Rose five minutes into the game, while backup point guard Immanuel Quickley is doubtful tonight with a sprained left ankle. Meanwhile, shooting guard Alec Burks is questionable due to a left knee contusion.

Los Angeles News & Notes

LeBron James practiced with the Lakers on Monday and is expected to return to action tonight after missing 24 of the team’s last 26 games with an injured ankle. If he does suit up, expect LA to ease him back into action as the Lakers try to round him into form for the upcoming playoffs. James has been on the court for just 60 minutes of game action in the last six weeks.

Judging by his last two outings, Anthony Davis has already rounded into playoff form. A couple of days after scoring 36 points in a loss to Portland, LA’s star big man went off for 42 points and 12 rebounds in Sunday’s 123-110 upset of the Suns.

“I’m getting my legs back. I’m getting my rhythm back … I’m getting better each game,” Davis told the Associated Press after the win, which was just LA’s third in its last 11 games.

Betting Pick: Knicks +5.5

Los Angeles hasn’t won consecutive games since the end of March and James’ playing time will likely be limited if he returns tonight.