New York Knicks (40-21 SU, 28-32-1 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Lakers (39-21 SU, 34-25-1 ATS)
NBA Regular Season – March 6, 2025
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Where: Crypto.com Arena – Los Angeles, CA
TV: National Broadcast
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Lakers -3.5 (-105) | Knicks +3.5 (-115)
Moneyline: Lakers -160 | Knicks +135
Over/Under Total: 230.5 (O -115 / U -105)
Trend Alert: The last five road teams have won and covered in this series.
Game Overview
The New York Knicks are coming off a 102-114 loss to the Warriors, failing to cover as 1-point favorites. They’ve gone 6-4 SU in their last ten games but have struggled ATS (2-8 ATS in that span). New York ranks 5th in the NBA in scoring (117.4 PPG) and boasts an efficient 49.2% FG percentage (3rd best). However, injuries could be a concern, with OG Anunoby, Mitchell Robinson, and Precious Achiuwa all listed as day-to-day.
The Los Angeles Lakers are on a roll, led by LeBron James (34 points last game) and Luka Dončić (30 points, 15 assists). They’ve been one of the NBA’s most consistent ATS teams (34-25-1 ATS) and boast an elite home record of 24-7 SU. However, the Lakers are dealing with several injury concerns, including LeBron (foot), Dončić (knee), Austin Reaves (calf), and Rui Hachimura (knee), all listed as day-to-day.
Key Matchups & Analysis
Knicks Offense vs. Lakers Defense
- Knicks: 117.4 PPG (5th), 49.2% FG (3rd), 37.0% 3PT (8th)
- Lakers: Allowing 111.2 PPG (9th best defense), holding opponents to 46.1% FG (9th best defense)
New York’s offense is elite, but Los Angeles matches up well defensively, ranking in the top 10 in points allowed and opponent FG%. With Mitchell Robinson questionable, the Knicks could struggle against the Lakers’ size advantage inside.
Lakers Offense vs. Knicks Defense
- Lakers: 115.9 PPG (7th), 48.7% FG (4th)
- Knicks: Allowing 111.2 PPG (9th best defense), strong defensive rebounding (2nd in DREB)
The Lakers thrive in transition but rely heavily on LeBron and Dončić to generate offense. If either misses the game or plays at less than 100%, the Lakers could struggle against a disciplined Knicks defense.
Betting Pick & Prediction
The Lakers have been dominant at home (24-7 SU), but the last five road teams have won and covered in this series, making New York an appealing ATS play. However, with both teams dealing with injuries, the best angle in this game is the Under 230.5.
- New York’s last 10 games have gone 5-5 O/U.
- Los Angeles has hit the Under in 32 of 60 games.
- The Lakers' defense ranks 9th in points allowed, while the Knicks' defense is also top-10.
- Injuries to key scorers (LeBron, Dončić, Anunoby, Robinson) could slow the offensive pace.
Final Score Prediction:
Knicks 111, Lakers 108 (Knicks +3.5 & Under 230.5)
Expect a close game with defensive intensity. New York has a strong trend of covering on the road in this series, and injuries could lead to a slower pace, making the Under 230.5 the best bet.
