Lakers vs. Knicks: Predictions, odds, injuries for Saturday NBA action
The NBA's Saturday action wraps up with the New York Knicks (32-17) hosting the Los Angeles Lakers (25-25) at Madison Square Garden in New York.
The Knicks sit third in the Eastern Conference and boast the best winning streak in the league at nine games. It hasn't been close in most of those games, either; six of those nine wins were by double-digits.
New York's defense is second-best in the league in points allowed per game and six players average 10 or more points per game, led by first-time All-Star Jalen Brunson. The Knicks' guard is averaging 27.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game this season, all career-highs.
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Los Angeles is in the middle of a six-game road trip. The Lakers notched a hard-earned 114-105 win over Boston Thursday night and became just the third team this season to beat the Celtics at the TD Garden. Austin Reaves stepped up in the win with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis out and had a season-high 32 points, including 7-of-10 shooting from three-point range. James and Davis are listed as game-time decisions for Saturday's game.
This is the second and final time these two teams will play during the regular season. New York won the first matchup 114-109 on Dec. 18.
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ESPN: Knicks have a 66% chance of winning
ESPN's basketball power index (BPI) rates the Knicks (2.2) ahead of the Lakers (1.0). New York is 18-5 at home and Los Angeles is 8-17 on the road, giving the edge to the Knicks.
Winners and Whiners: Knicks win
Bosun Akinpelu says, "With New York holding opponents under 105 points per game at home and their last three opponents to 100 points per game, the Lakers will struggle offensively in this game. Go with New York to cover the spread.."
ClutchPoints: Knicks win, over 228.5 points
Griffin Conant writes, "Although [Los Angeles] came away with the road win in Boston, consider it an anomaly. They have managed to lose six of their last eight games away from home and the Knicks don't appear to be losing anytime soon."
Doc's Sports: Knicks win
Josh Schonwald says the Knicks are one of the best rebounding and free throw shooting teams in the league and that'll make the difference in Saturday's game.
Lakers vs. Knicks lines, betting odds
The Knicks are favorites to make it 10 wins in a row with a victory over the Lakers, according to the DraftKings odds.
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Spread: New York (-5.5)
Moneyline: New York (-218); Los Angeles (+180)
Over/under: 230
Lakers vs. Knicks injury news
Los Angeles Lakers:
Player | Injury | Timeline |
F OG Anunoby | Elbow | Game-time decision |
G Duane Washington | Thumb | Game-time decision |
F Julius Randle | Shoulder | Out for 2-3 weeks |
C Mitchell Robinson | Ankle | Out |
G Quentin Grimes | Knee | Out |
Los Angeles Lakers:
Player | Injury | Timeline |
C Anthony Davis | Achilles | Game-time decision |
F LeBron James | Ankle | Game-time decision |
F Cam Reddish | Ankle | Out for 2 weeks |
F Jarred Vanderbilt | Foot | Out for several weeks |
G Gabe Vincent | Knee | Out for 8 weeks |
How to watch Lakers vs. Knicks, TV Channel, streaming info
Game day: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024
Game time: 8:30 p.m., ET
TV channel: ABC
Location: New York, New York
Arena: Madison Square Garden
Live stream: Watch on Fubo; ESPN+
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How to watch: Catch NBA action with Fubo
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Lakers vs. Knicks: Predictions for Saturday night NBA matchup
