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LA Clippers (27-28) at LA Lakers (33-21)
- When: Feb 20 2026, 10:00 PM
- Where: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- TV: ESPN
LA Clippers vs LA Lakers Preview & Prediction
Spread: LA Lakers -7.5
Moneyline: LA Lakers (-290)
Total: 225.5
The Battle of L.A. returns with real playoff weight attached. The Lakers are laying 7.5 at home, while the Clippers enter riding momentum and already holding a 2-1 edge in the season series. With the total at 225.5, this sets up as a high-leverage Western Conference clash.
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Preview
The headline is Luka Doncic’s return. He leads the league at 32.8 points per game and is expected back after missing four games with a hamstring issue. The Lakers have only had Doncic, LeBron James and Austin Reaves together for 10 games this season due to injuries, but when healthy, the offense has flashed elite stretches.
Los Angeles sits fifth in the West and has the star power edge. If the trio builds rhythm quickly, the Lakers can control pace and shot quality. At home, with playoff positioning at stake, laying 7.5 is aggressive but defensible if their stars are near full capacity.
Lakers Prop Pick: Luka Doncic Over 28.5 Points
With fresh legs and full usage, Doncic’s scoring volume remains elite in marquee matchups.
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Clippers are 21-7 since late December and just knocked off Denver 115-114. Kawhi Leonard continues his scoring streak, posting at least 20 points in 34 straight games and adding 23 in the latest win. Bennedict Mathurin erupted for 38 in his home debut, giving L.A. secondary punch after moving James Harden.
The Clippers sit ninth in the West and need wins to avoid play-in pressure. They’ve shown resilience, but back-to-back fatigue could factor late.
Clippers Prop Pick: Kawhi Leonard Over 25.5 Points
Leonard’s consistency and usage rate make his scoring floor reliable in rivalry games.
NBA Final Score & Expert Prediction
Expect playoff intensity and half-court execution. With a seven-point margin in the projection, the sharper side is Clippers +7.5. Even if the Lakers win behind Luka Doncic’s scoring and late-game control, this shapes up as a competitive rivalry matchup.
The Clippers have been 21-7 since late December and Kawhi Leonard’s 20-plus point streak keeps their offense stable. In a high-intensity Battle of L.A., getting more than a full two possessions provides cushion. Lakers win, Clippers cover
Final Score: Lakers 117, Clippers 111
Lean: Clippers +7.5
Total: Over 225.5
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
