by Rod Pearson
Wednesday, Mar 05, 2025
Game Time: 10:00 pm ET, Thursday, March 6, 2025
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA
Where to Watch: TNT, MAX
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Point Spread: Knicks +2.5, Lakers -2.5; Over/Under: 231.5 points
Bet365: Point Spread: Knicks +2.5, Lakers -2.5; Over/Under: 231.5 points
BetMGM: Point Spread: Knicks +2.5, Lakers -2.5; Over/Under: 231.5 points
Season Record
New York Knicks: 40-21 (2nd place, Atlantic Division)
Los Angeles Lakers: 39-21 (1st place, Pacific Division)
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Recent Form
New York Knicks: 6-4 last 10
Los Angeles Lakers: 8-2 last 10
New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Lakers Preview and Analysis
The Knicks are entering this game with a 40-21 record overall this season and they are 19-10 in their road games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game off a loss against the Golden State Warriors. OG Anunoby led the team in points in that game with 29 while Jalen Brunson was next on the team with 25 points. Jalen Brunson led the team in assists in that game with 7 while Precious Achiuwa led the team in rebounds with 15. They were 44.6% from the field, 24.2% from 3-point range, and 80% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 117.4 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 112.9 PPG against them. The Knicks have an ATS record of 28-32-1 this season and their O/U record is 34-26-1.
The Lakers are entering this game with a 39-21 record overall this season and they are 24-7 in their home games this season where they will be in this game. They are entering this game on a 7 game winning streak with wins coming against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets, the Dallas Mavericks, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Los Angeles Clippers twice in a row, and the New Orleans Pelicans. LeBron James led the team in points in that game with 34 while Luka Dončić was next on the team with 30 points. Luka Dončić led the team in assists in that game with 15 while Jaxson Hayes led the team in rebounds with 10. They were 53.3% from the field, 36.5% from 3-point range, and 77.8% from the free throw line with their shots in that game. Their offense is averaging 113.1 PPG and their defense is allowing their opponents to average 111.2 PPG against them. The Lakers have an ATS record of 34-25-1 this season and their O/U record is 28-32.
Knicks vs Lakers Prediction
The current betting odds have the Lakers listed as a 2.5 point favorite in this game according to Draftkings Sportsbook. The Lakers have looked really good in their games this season with their 39-21 record overall which has them right near the top of the West and in a playoff spot. They have also looked great on their home court this year with their 24-7 home record. Meanwhile, the Knicks have looked really good in their games this season with their 40-21 record overall which has them right near the top of the East and in a playoff spot. They have been a good road team too with their 19-10 road record. The Knicks have been playing well lately as they are 6-4 in their last 10 games, but they are coming off a home loss to the Warriors in their last one. The Knicks have been struggling against top contenders lately and that is going to be a big issue for them in this game. The Warriors aren't a top contender at the moment, but they have been playing like one lately since adding Jimmy Butler to their team. The Knicks are going to be looking to bounce back here, but they are a bit banged up at the moment and this game isn't going to be any easier for them. They are facing a Lakers team that has turned into a top contender since trading for Luka Doncic, and they have been rolling lately. The Lakers are 8-2 in their last 10 games and they have a ton of momentum on their side with 7 wins in a row now. They are coming off a win over the Pelicans in their last one, but they have also beaten some strong teams in the West during this streak. They have also played their best at home this season and they can take advantage of the way the Knicks have struggled lately when they have had to face stronger teams in the NBA. As good as the Knicks have been this season, they continue to fall short in these big games and this game will be no different with the Lakers rolling right now. The best way to place a bet here is on the Lakers to cover the spread in this game.
Knicks Lakers Prediction: Our NBA Pick for Thursday, March 6, 2025 (10:00 pm ET start time) is Lakers 124 Knicks 113.
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NBA Betting Trends
New York Knicks: 26-16 ATS when playing against a good team (Win Pct. 60% to 70%). 34-20 ATS on the road after playing a home game. 19-9 OVER revenging a straight up loss vs opponent as a home favorite. 36-26 OVER on the road when playing against a team with a winning record.
Los Angeles Lakers: 3-6 ATS after scoring 136 points or more. 4-8 1H ATS off a home blowout win by 20 points or more. 24-14 OVER after playing 3 consecutive home games. 29-17 OVER when playing 6 or more games in 10 days.
Key Injuries
New York Knicks: K. Towns (C) Day To Day - Personal. A. Hukporti (C) Out - Knee.
Los Angeles Lakers: J. Goodwin (PG) Day To Day - Ankle. A. Reaves (SG) Day To Day - Calf. R. Hachimura (PF) Day To Day - Knee. M. Kleber (PF) Out - Foot.
Notable Quotes
"It felt great. After missing 10 months, it was like, finally back at the Garden. Going out there, putting on a show, you miss it." - Mitchell Robinson on returning to the Knicks lineup in their loss to the Warriors on Tuesday.
“Jaxson, again, organization, his spacing, being disciplined when we were setting ball screens with him. I thought other than two possessions in the first half, we had the right spacing. When we weren’t setting ball screens with him, he was in the dunker and he was opposite the ball and that led to some dunks. Jaxson played really well tonight.” - JJ Redick on Jaxson Hayes after his team’s win against the Pelicans in their game on Tuesday.
Starting Lineups
New York Knicks
PG Jalen Brunson
SG Mikal Bridges
SF Josh Hart
PF OG Anunoby
C Karl-Anthony Towns
Los Angeles Lakers
PG Luka Doncic
SG Dalton Knecht
SF Jordan Goodwin
PF LeBron James
C Jaxson Hayes
Statistical Leaders
New York Knicks
PPG: J. Brunson (26.1)
APG: J. Brunson (7.4)
Reb/G: K. Towns (13.4)
Los Angeles Lakers
PPG: L. Dončić (26.6)
APG: L. James (8.5)
Reb/G: L. Dončić (8.3)
Coaches:
New York Knicks: Tom Thibodeau (5th season)
Los Angeles Lakers: JJ Redick (1st season)
Rod Pearson
About the Author:
Rod Pearson has been a rabid sports fan his entire life. He grew up in Ontario, and was skilled in both hockey and baseball, and pitched in an elite baseball league for many years. In 2022, Rod decided to hang up his glove, so that he could write about the sports he loves -- but from a gambling perspective. Join Rod every day as he breaks down the games to find the best betting value.
