New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Betting preview, predictions

The New York Knicks will begin a West Coast road trip on Saturday night when they travel to Los Angeles to take on the Lakers at the Cypto.com Arena.

New York has had a few days off to prep for the trip and will look to start picking up a few wins as they head into the All-Star break.

This will be a battle of two struggling marquee franchises.

New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Betting preview

According to Wynnbet, the New York Knicks will enter this game as 2 point road underdogs, with the Lakers as 2 point home favorites.

The Knicks moneyline is set at +112 with the Lakers at -135.

The total implied total for this game sits as 213 combined points.

It’s one of those games where it’s hard to know what to expect because of just how inconsistent these two teams have been all season.

New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Lakers: Predictions

Unfortunately for both Lakers and Knicks fans, Carmelo Anthony will be sitting out this game due to a hamstring strain (shouts out Melo).

LeBron James has been out for LA with a sore left knee, and while there is some reason to believe he could suit up in this contest, he appears to be doubtful.

Even with the Lakers’ injuries, they still enter this game as home favorites, and it could be a risky bet.

They’re coming off of a close loss to their rival Clippers, and it feels like the Knicks moneyline bet is the way to go here.

Stopping Anthony Davis will be no easy task, but center Mitchell Robinson has been playing terrific basketball as of late.

Perhaps the most underrated and underappreciated part of Robinson’s game is how well he defends star centers — he always makes like difficult for them, and this game could turn into uphill sledding for LA.

I’d expect strong performances from the Knicks’ primary players Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, and Evan Fournier, and the Knicks to take a much-needed close win to start their road trip.