With Kobe in doubt, Lakers want payback after January blowout to Spurs

Los Angeles is seeking revenge for a blowout loss to San Antonio in January, but it might have to get it without Kobe Bryant, who is questionable with an ankle injury. Can the Lakers still deliver on NBA odds without their best player? Here’s a breakdown of tonight’s matchup.

San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers
Monday, Feb. 8 at 10:30 p.m. ET
Lakers -4, 193.5 at Bodog Sports

Although the Spurs (29-20, 24-24-1 ATS) blew out the Clippers 98-81 in their last outing, it was the first time they’d covered in four games. San Antonio is 2-2 straight up in that stretch and is in the midst of an eight-game road trip; with a 4-2 record against the point spread in the last six road games, NBA betting fans should wary of San Antonio.

The Spurs are solid offensively at 100.9 points per game, which ranks 14th in the NBA. Those numbers could take a dip if Tim Duncan continues declining, though. The future Hall of Famer scored just 15 and 11 points over his last two outings, although he shot over 50 percent in both games. Obviously, this team is becoming Tony Parker’s. Parker recently missed three games with an ankle injury—and he’s still nursing some leg issues—but he was great in his last two games since returning, dropping 14 points and 14 assists on the Clippers while scoring 18 points against Portland (16 in the second half).

The Lakers (39-13, 23-28-1 ATS) dominated Portland in their last outing, winning 99-82.
Like the Spurs, Los Angeles hasn’t been especially good to NBA betting fans lately; the team is 1-3 in their last four games against the spread and 5-4-1 ATS in their last 10. Home court hasn’t been a big advantage either, as the Lakers have failed to cover in three straight games at home. Before the losing streak, they’d won four straight.

Los Angeles could be without its best player tonight as Kobe Bryant is trying to get through an ankle injury. He missed the Portland game and his status remains uncertain for tonight. That takes 28.0 points per game out of the lineup and slows an offense averaging 103.4 points per game (fifth-best in the league). In the meantime, much of the offensive responsibility will fall on the shoulders of Pau Gasol. The big center is averaging 16.9 points and 10.8 rebounds per game this season. He hasn’t scored more than 17 in his last five outings, though, and Los Angeles needs more than that with Bryant ailing.

The Spurs whipped Los Angeles when they last met, earning a 105-85 win on January 12. Despite the loss, the Lakers are 5-1 against the spread vs. San Antonio in their last six games against each other (L.A. is 4-2 straight up in those games).