After back-to-back busy days, we have a lean schedule tomorrow, with only three NBA Cup games on the menu. One of them is the anticipated “Battle of LA” between the Lakers and the Clippers at the Crypto.com Arena. Tomorrow marks their first meeting this year.
There’s a significant gap between the Lakers and the Clippers in the league standings, with the former as the third seed in the Western Conference at 12-4 and the latter nearly at the bottom in 12th place at 5-12. The freefalling visitors badly need to win tomorrow to get back on winning ways, and it helps that one of their stars has recently returned to action.
Elsewhere, the Wizards and Sixers will host the Hawks and Magic. Except for the Hawks, the Wizards, Sixers, and Magic are coming off some tough losses.
Check out the NBA 2025 odds of these three games, courtesy of today’s SBOTOP preview.
Atlanta Hawks @ Washington Wizards
The Atlanta Hawks have continued to perform well despite the absence of their star point guard, Trae Young, as they’ve won their last two games. They improved to an 11-7 record, following their 113-110 home win against the Hornets on Sunday.
Atlanta turned to their defence to win the game, as Nickeil Alexander-Walker had the game-clinching steal when Kon Knueppel tried to tie the game for the Hornets. Jalen Johnson, the Eastern Conference Player of the Week in Week 4, was the Hawks’ leading scorer with 28 points, eight rebounds, and 11 assists on 11-for-22 shooting from the field. Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, Onyeka Okongwu, and Keaton Wallace added 23, 22, 20, and 10 points, respectively.
Kristaps Porzingis is expected to play tomorrow after a one-game absence due to rest. The one-time NBA champion will likely replace Okongwu in the starting lineup.
The Wizards’ barren run has reached 14 straight games, following their 121-120 loss to the Bulls on Saturday night. Washington had the chance to win, but Kyshawn George’s turnover sealed yet another defeat.
Cam Whitmore and Corey Kispert led the Wizards with 20 points apiece, while CJ McCollum, George, Alex Sarr, and Tristan Vukcevic added 18, 17, 16, and 12 points.
Betting tip – Atlanta Hawks Asian Handicap -10.00 @ 1.97
Orlando Magic @ Philadelphia Sixers
The Magic are out to avenge their earlier loss against the Sixers tomorrow to potentially overtake them in the Eastern Conference table. Since then, Orlando improved to 10-8, while Philadelphia are at 9-7.
The Magic saw their three-game winning streak snapped by the Celtics on Sunday, as they continue to be without Paolo Banchero (groin). Jett Howard came out of nowhere and produced 30 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and five three-pointers on 11-for-23 shooting from the field in the losing effort. Jase Richardson, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, and Noah Penda added 18, 18, 15, 14, and 13 points.
The Sixers have had mixed results this week, as they attempt to reintegrate Paul George into the rotation. During their 127-117 defeat against the Heat yesterday, Tyrese Maxey played through a sore shoulder and produced 27 points, three rebounds, six assists, two steals, and five three-pointers on 10-for-23 shooting from the field. Trendon Watford, Jared McCain, Quentin Grimes (who replaced the injured VJ Edgecombe in the starting five), Andre Drummond, and Paul George contributed 19, 15, 15, 14, and 10 points.
Philadelphia have upgraded Joel Embiid (knee) to questionable for tomorrow’s cup game. He hasn’t played since November 8.
Betting tip – Orlando Magic Asian Handicap -2.00 @ 1.96
LA Clippers @ Los Angeles Lakers
After a 10-game absence due to a sprained ankle, Kawhi Leonard finally returned on the court for the Clippers during Sunday’s road loss (120-105) against the Cavaliers. The two-time NBA champion had 20 points, three rebounds, and three steals on 6-for-13 shooting from the field, and is expected to be available for tomorrow.
Leonard will be supported by Ivica Zubac and James Harden, with the former fresh from a 33-point, 18-rebound double-double, and the latter coming off a 19-point game after dropping a franchise record of 55 points against the Hornets last Saturday.
The Lakers are on a four-game winning streak, and in between those games, LeBron James has returned. During Sunday’s matchup against the Jazz, Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves combined for 55 points, while the King had 17 points, six rebounds, and eight assists.
According to the NBA 2025 news, Los Angeles will be without Deandre Ayton against the Clippers, as the former first overall pick hurt his knee.
Betting tip – Los Angeles Lakers Asian Handicap -6.00 @ 1.97
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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