PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's NBA Total of the Week
(NBA) LA Clippers vs. LA Lakers,
Total: 220.50 | -110.00 Over
Result: Win
Total: 220.50 | -110.00 Over
Result: Win
This is a big total that would make sense - if it were posted on a Clippers-Lakers game last season.
Things are much different this year. The Clippers don't have Chris Paul. The Lakers have Lonzo Ball. Both are among the reasons I like this game to go Under the total.
The Clippers' offense is less explosive minus Paul. That's a no-brainer. But the Clippers' backcourt becomes much more hard-nosed with the change from Paul to rugged Patrick Beverley, one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.
Ball is the Lakers' new main man. He's a great passer, but not a high percentage shooter. Ball was limited to only 57 minutes during preseason because of a sprained ankle. He'll play tonight, but will have to deal with Beverley and the pressures of his first NBA game and the super high expectations the home fans have for him.
The Lakers gave up the third-most points in the NBA last season. Lakers coach Luke Walton made it a priority during preseason to stress defense. The Lakers allowed an average of 103.5 points per game in their six exhibition games.
"...I'm thrilled with the strides they're making," Walton was quoted as saying about the defensive progress his team showed during preseason.
The Lakers acheived this without Andrew Bogut, who missed the preseason with a groin injury. Bogut, though, practiced this week and should play. He provides a shot-blocking presence for the Lakers that the Clippers have with DeAndre Jordan, another top defensive player.
Things are much different this year. The Clippers don't have Chris Paul. The Lakers have Lonzo Ball. Both are among the reasons I like this game to go Under the total.
The Clippers' offense is less explosive minus Paul. That's a no-brainer. But the Clippers' backcourt becomes much more hard-nosed with the change from Paul to rugged Patrick Beverley, one of the best defensive guards in the NBA.
Ball is the Lakers' new main man. He's a great passer, but not a high percentage shooter. Ball was limited to only 57 minutes during preseason because of a sprained ankle. He'll play tonight, but will have to deal with Beverley and the pressures of his first NBA game and the super high expectations the home fans have for him.
The Lakers gave up the third-most points in the NBA last season. Lakers coach Luke Walton made it a priority during preseason to stress defense. The Lakers allowed an average of 103.5 points per game in their six exhibition games.
"...I'm thrilled with the strides they're making," Walton was quoted as saying about the defensive progress his team showed during preseason.
The Lakers acheived this without Andrew Bogut, who missed the preseason with a groin injury. Bogut, though, practiced this week and should play. He provides a shot-blocking presence for the Lakers that the Clippers have with DeAndre Jordan, another top defensive player.
