LA Lakers (40-22) at Brooklyn (21-42)
- When: Mar 10 2025, 7:30 PM
- Where: Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY, USA
- TV: SportsNet LA
Los Angeles Lakers at Brooklyn Nets – Betting Preview & Predictions
Lakers Favored by 6.5 | Total Set at 216.5
Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers will have to adjust without LeBron James, who is sidelined with a groin strain suffered in their recent loss to the Boston Celtics. While his absence is significant, Los Angeles has managed a 3-1 record when playing without him this season. Luka Doncic will now be the focal point of the offense, and he’s been dominant since arriving from Dallas, averaging 24.7 points per game in 11 outings.
Los Angeles saw its eight-game winning streak snapped against Boston, but they have been playing solid basketball overall. Despite the loss, Doncic put up 34 points, including a strong fourth-quarter effort. The Lakers have an 8-3 record when both James and Doncic are in the lineup, but this will be a test of their depth.
Given Brooklyn’s struggles, the Lakers are still in a favorable position to bounce back. Even without James, expect Doncic to take over offensively while Anthony Davis and the supporting cast help keep this team rolling. The Lakers have covered the spread in six of their last nine games, and even on the road, they should control this matchup.
Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are in a downward spiral, suffering their second seven-game losing streak of the season. Brooklyn has struggled to maintain leads, blowing a 22-point advantage against Golden State and a 17-point lead against Charlotte in their last two games. Their defense, which had been solid earlier in the season, has fallen apart, allowing 117.8 points per game during this skid.
D’Angelo Russell has been a bright spot for Brooklyn, scoring 28 points against Charlotte, but he disappeared in crunch time, failing to score in the final seven minutes. Coach Jordi Fernandez called out the team’s lack of composure, highlighting their inconsistency in closing games.
The Nets’ issues on defense and inability to finish strong suggest this is another tough matchup. They are just 1-6 ATS in their last seven games, making it difficult to trust them against a Lakers squad that, even without LeBron, is playing at a much higher level.
Betting Prediction
Despite James’ absence, the Lakers should have the edge in this matchup. Brooklyn has not shown they can close out games, and their defense has been unreliable. Doncic will take over as the primary playmaker, and given how well Los Angeles has played recently, they should cover the spread.
Pick: Lakers -6.5
Total: Lean Over 216.5 – Brooklyn’s defense is struggling, and the Lakers will still push the pace with Doncic leading the charge.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
