Los Angeles Lakers at New York Knicks
Thursday, 12/13/12, 8:00 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: New York -7
Current Betting Line: New York -6.5
Opening Total: 207.5
Current Total: 209
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker
Los Angeles has lost five of its last six games, including a 100-94 setback to the Cleveland Cavaliers as 6.5-point road favorites on Tuesday night, while going UNDER the total for the first time in three contests. “We’ve got to stay focused and stay strong,” stated Lakers center Dwight Howard. “We can’t let this break who we are as a team.” The Lakers are 1-5 in the month of December and have lost seven of their nine road games. Los Angeles is 2-5 ATS as a road underdog of 6.5 to 9 points over the last two-plus seasons, with the OVER going 5-2 in that situation.
The Lakers split their two games with the Knicks last season after sweeping the previous four season series, which could give them some value when making your NBA picks against the spread on Thursday night. Los Angeles continues to be led offensively by guard Kobe Bryant, who finished with 42 points against the Cavaliers, while center Dwight Howard pulled down 20 rebounds.
New York has won seven of its last eight games, including a 100-97 victory over the Brooklyn Nets as 3.5-point road favorites last time out, while going OVER the total for the third time in four contests. The Knicks have scored over the century mark in all seven of those victories in that span. Forward Carmelo Anthony has been the star of the show, scoring 79 combined points in two games since returning to the floor from a lacerated finger. New York is 7-1 ATS at home this season, which is important to consider when looking over the pro basketball odds page.
The Knicks will focus on shutting down Bryant in hopes of remaining perfect at Madison Square Garden this season, as he averaged 31.0 points and 7.0 rebounds in two meetings last year. New York center Tyson Chandler averaged a double-double in last year’s series, while Anthony put up 27 points in playing just a single game.
Sports bettors will likely play the total in this affair, with the UNDER going 2-0 in the Knicks’ two games as a home favorite of 6.5 to 9 points this season.
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