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LA Lakers (23-11) at San Antonio (25-11)
- When: Jan 7 2026, 9:30 PM
- Where: Frost Bank Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
- TV: ESPN
LA Lakers vs San Antonio Preview & Prediction
Spread: San Antonio -8.0
Moneyline: San Antonio (-275)
Total: 237.0
San Antonio Spurs Betting Outlook
San Antonio returns home favored by eight points, but the bigger storyline is still Victor Wembanyama’s availability and workload. The Spurs have faced the Lakers twice already this season, and Wembanyama’s impact has varied wildly. One game featured foul trouble, another featured his absence entirely, and now San Antonio is managing him carefully as he works back from injury concerns.
Wembanyama came off the bench in Memphis and delivered instant offense, scoring efficiently in limited minutes. That performance showed his ceiling remains sky high, but it also highlighted San Antonio’s bigger issue. The Spurs struggled to close out a game they largely controlled, losing focus late and allowing momentum to swing away.
San Antonio’s offense thrives when it plays fast and spreads the floor. Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson have been steady secondary scorers, while the guard play has been aggressive. The challenge comes late in games, where execution has lagged and defensive breakdowns have been costly.
As an eight point favorite in a game with a massive total, San Antonio needs to dictate pace early and avoid another late collapse. At home, with fresher legs than the Lakers, the Spurs are positioned to bounce back if focus improves.
San Antonio Player Prop Pick: Victor Wembanyama over 19.5 points
Los Angeles Lakers Betting Outlook
The Lakers arrive in San Antonio feeling confident after grinding out a road win in New Orleans. The offense continues to revolve around Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who remain one of the league’s most dangerous combinations when both are attacking.
Los Angeles has quietly won four of its last five games, even while missing key rotation players. That speaks to improved depth and defensive effort. Deandre Ayton has played a key role inside, controlling the glass and finishing efficiently around the rim, while perimeter players have stepped into larger roles without hesitation.
From a betting perspective, the Lakers are dangerous as underdogs because of their experience and ability to execute late. However, back to back scheduling and travel can limit defensive intensity, especially against a young Spurs team that pushes tempo.
If Los Angeles keeps the game close into the fourth quarter, they have the veteran poise to steal another win. If they fall behind early, the legs may not be there to chase for forty eight minutes.
Los Angeles Player Prop Pick: Luka Doncic over 9.5 assists
Betting Outlook and Prediction
San Antonio is favored by 8.0 with the total set at 237.0, signaling a fast paced, offense driven game. Both teams have the scoring talent to push this number upward, but defensive lapses will decide the spread.
San Antonio’s energy at home and Lakers fatigue on the second night of a back to back give the Spurs a real edge. Expect a competitive first half before San Antonio separates late.
Final Score: San Antonio 125, Los Angeles 115
Lean: San Antonio -8.0
Total: Over 237.0
- NBA Basketball Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!