The Spurs and Lakers meet in a Game 2 clash at the AT&T Center tonight as San Antonio attempts to put Los Angeles in a 0-2 hole. This evening’s contest is scheduled to get underway at 9:30pm ET; it will be broadcast live on TNT. 2013 NBA Playoff Picks have the Spurs listed as a -9 against the spread and -600 moneyline favorite ($600 wins $100). The Over/Under is set at 188 points while the Lakers are drawing +450 odds to even their best of seven series with San Antonio.
Los Angeles came into Sunday’s Game 1 meeting with San Antonio riding a five game winning streak, but its nice season ending run did not convince the odds makers the team had much a chance to procure a 1-0 series advantage. The Lakers were lined as a +8.5 against the spread road dog and that number proved too small as San Antonio pounded out a 91-79 victory.
The Spurs offense was anything but impressive, connecting on just 32 of its 85 field goal attempts (37.6 percent), but their defense forced 18 L.A. turnovers, which helped limit the Lakers to 73 shot attempts.
Dwight Howard and Pau Gasol kept the Lakers in the game, combining for 36 points and 31 rebounds, but they also accounted for 10 of Los Angeles turnovers. Should those two take care of the ball better this evening, the Lakers could be more competitive than most are anticipating.
Los Angeles grueling closing slate almost ensured some sort of letdown over the weekend, but it should be more focused heading into tonight’s game. San Antonio has won five of its last six meetings with Los Angeles, but the Lakers have covered the number in two of the last three.
Notable Trend(s): The Over is 5-1 in the Lakers last six games as a road dog with a total between 185 and 190 points.
Los Angeles Lakers +9 (-110), Over 188 (-110), +450 (Moneyline)
San Antonio Spurs -9 (-110), Under 188 (-110), -600 (Moneyline)
NBA Free Picks: Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio SpursWhat pro basketball bettors need to know about Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs on Wednesday (4/24/13) - a free pick from Pregame.com's Vegas Runner and a best bet from Steve Fezzik, with Bryan Leonard.