Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets Predictions, Betting Odds, Picks

• The Lakers are looking to bounce back after a disappointing home loss.
• The Nets host Los Angeles in the first of a short, two-game home stand.
• The Nets won their earlier meeting with the Lakers this season, 122-115.

Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets Odds

Head-to-Head: Los Angeles Lakers vs Brooklyn Nets

Injury Report

How Can the Lakers Beat the Nets?

The Los Angeles Lakers take on a Brooklyn Nets team that will be missing some of their biggest stars. They can’t relax though, as the Nets have the pieces that can give Los Angeles issues regardless.

Key to the Lakers snagging a victory will be their ability to control the paint with their defence and rebounding. In Brooklyn’s 17 losses, they lose the rebounding battle by a margin of 1.6 while actually shooting 4.3% better than in victories.

Los Angeles needs to control the pace of the game, as the Nets are very willing to push the ball and kick to open shooters off of penetration. If they can’t, the Lakers’ iffy defence may leave them in the dust.

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Lakers Key Player: (F) LeBron James

“I have no idea how LeBron got that to go in.” #LeBronJames x #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/LgyD1VlXL9

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 10, 2022

One half of this game’s most anticipated matchup, LeBron James is looking for victory against one of the NBA‘s toughest teams. Always an excellent individual performer, James must create for others in order to find victory.

In his last game James posted 33 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. He was 12 of 22 from the field, 8 of 11 from the free throw line, but just 1 of 8 from three-point range. When James is looking for his offence, the Lakers always have a chance.

James is a consistent force for the Lakers, but his teammates are another story. He’ll need to do everything he can to create easy opportunities if the Lakers hope to steal a win from the Nets.

How Can the Nets Beat the Lakers?

The Brooklyn Nets are going to enter this game undermanned, but there are plenty of avenues toward victory for them. To beat the Lakers, Brooklyn need to pressure the ball and force them into turnovers.

The Los Angeles Lakers are team that struggle against aggressive defences. In losses, the Lakers commit 15.1 turnovers and shoot just 43.8% from the field. Falling more into one-on-one play, the Lakers’ assist rate drops from 25.0 per game to 23.3 per game.

Brooklyn doesn’t have the most concerning defence in the NBA, but they’re certainly energetic while owning some veteran experience. If they can force the Lakers into sloppy play, they can undo their offensive plan.

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Nets Key Player: (G) James Harden

James Harden is shooting 60.7% on MID-RANGE jumpshots this season

Yes, 60.7% pic.twitter.com/ILnS12Ppvc

— arxan (@arxanii) January 22, 2022

With Kevin Durant out due to injury and Kyrie Irving unable to play in the state of New York, all eyes are on James Harden to lead the Brooklyn Nets to victory. When James Harden is on his game, the Nets can take on anybody.

Harden was quiet in his last game, at least in the scoring department. He posted 13 points, 13 assists, and 5 rebounds in 35 minutes of play. His shooting was off the mark though, as he was just 4 of 13 on the night and 1 of 4 from three-point range.

The Nets star man’s usage stays consistent in wins and losses, but they’re at their most dangerous when he’s efficient from the field. If he can navigate the Lakers defence, Harden’s natural shot-making and distribution should keep Brooklyn competitive.

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