LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets: Prediction and Betting Tips | March 31, 2024

The LA Lakers are left with eight games in the regular season. In order to secure a spot in the playoffs, they must defeat the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center on Sunday (Mar. 31). The two teams previously faced off in January 2024, where Cam Thomas led the Nets to victory and handed the Lakers one of their most challenging losses of the season.

Despite suffering a disappointing defeat to the Indiana Pacers on Friday (109-90), LA will now face a strong Nets team that is on a three-game winning streak. The Nets have a record of 4-6 in their last 10 games, but even though they are unlikely to make the playoffs, they can still cause trouble for LA’s postseason aspirations.

Despite the Lakers holding a dominant 68-30 head-to-head record against the Nets in 98 regular season games, Brooklyn has recently had the upper hand in their last five meetings with a 3-2 lead.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets prediction, preview, starting lineups, and betting tips

The match between the LA Lakers and the Nets is scheduled to begin at 6 pm ET and will be broadcasted live on YES and Spectrum SportsNet. Fans can also tune in to the game on the NBA app or website by using a League Pass.

Moneyline odds: Lakers -221, Nets +180

Total: Lakers 0224, Nets u224

Upcoming Matchup: LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets

The Lakers have welcomed several players who previously played for the Nets to their team. Among them are D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie, both of whom previously played for the Nets. On the other hand, Lonnie Walker IV and Dennis Schroder, who were once part of the Nets, will now strive to perform well against their former team.

Despite being known as a defense-first guard, Dinwiddie has found his groove with the Lakers and all eyes will be on him. He possesses enough offensive firepower to handle his former team.

The Nets have relied on their strong players such as Cam Thomas, Mikal Bridges, and Schroder. Their offense has been the key factor in their recent three victories. In their wins against the Toronto Raptors and the Washington Wizards, they have maintained a 26.4 percent success rate from the 3-point range. However, in their most recent game against the Chicago Bulls, they stepped up their game and made a whopping 25 three-pointers, leading to a convincing 125-108 win at home.

The Lakers rank 15th in offensive rating and 13th in defensive rating. They have a higher percentage of shots made from beyond the arc at 37.7%. Despite this, their defense remains their strongest aspect. If they can effectively contain Brooklyn, they will widen the gap between themselves and the 10th-ranked Golden State Warriors.

Despite various injuries, Jarred Vanderbilt (right midfoot sprain), Christian Wood (left knee effusion), and Jalen Hood-Schfino (back disc surgery) have been officially declared unavailable. However, the status of Gbae Vincent (left knee surgery) has been changed to questionable, along with Anthony Davis (left knee hyperextension) and LeBron James (left ankle peroneal tendinopathy).

Ben Simmons (left lower back) and Keita Bates-Diop (right tibia fracture) will both be absent for the Nets. Cameron Johnson (left toe) is uncertain to play, while Dennis Smith Jr. (right hip) is expected to be available.

Preview: Starting Lineups and Rotations for LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets

It is expected that the Lakers will stick with their typical starting lineup, which includes D’Angelo Russell at PG, Austin Reaves at SG, LeBron James at SF, Rui Hachimura at PF, and Anthony Davis at C.

The Lakers will rely heavily on their bench in this matchup, with key contributions expected from Spencer Dinwiddie, Max Christie, and Taurean Prince. In the absence of AD, Jaxson Hayes will need to step up and provide support.

The Nets will continue with their current starting lineup featuring Dennis Schroder at point guard, Cam Thomas at shooting guard, Mikal Bridges at small forward, Dorian-Finney Smith at power forward, and Nic Claxton at center. Trent Watford, Noah Clowney, Lonnie Walker IV, and Day’Ron Sharpe will serve as their reserve players.

Strategies for Betting on the LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets Matchup

Anthony Davis, Cam Thomas, and LeBron James are all players to watch out for in the upcoming game, as they are listed with over/under point totals of 24.5, 24.5, and 23.5 respectively. These three players are expected to have a significant impact on the game.

Prediction for LA Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets matchup

Despite their recent loss against the Pacers, the LA Lakers have a talented roster and enough resources to outmatch the Nets. The Nets are currently on a three-game winning streak and will bring a lot of energy to this highly anticipated match. However, it is likely that the Lakers will secure a narrow victory on Sunday.