A fantastic matchup featuring two Western Conference teams owning a combined 11-3 record takes place in Los Angeles. The Lakers (6-2) host the upstart Spurs (5-1) at Crypto.com Arena in a battle of two of the game’s young superstars.
G Luka Doncic returns to the Lakers’ lineup after missing Monday’s victory at Portland. He'll get his first 2025 look at Spurs C Victor Wembanyama, who's off to an MVP-level start.
Let’s look at the Spurs vs. Lakers prediction and picks for Wednesday night’s showdown in Los Angeles, tipping off at 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Spurs vs. Lakers Prediction, NBA Picks
- San Antonio jumped out to an impressive 5-0 start before getting tripped up at Phoenix on Sunday, 130-118.
- The Spurs put together their worst performance from 3-point range against the Suns, hitting 10-of-41 attempts for 24.4%.
- Wembanyama ranks 12th in the NBA in scoring at 26.7 points per game and second in rebounding at 13.7.
- Spurs G Stephon Castle is averaging 20.0 ppg and 6.2 rebounds per contest. The former UConn standout is making a nice jump after posting 14.7 ppg during his run to capturing the Rookie of the Year.
- The Lakers continue life without F LeBron James, who is sidelined with sciatica and looks to make his season debut later this month.
- Doncic has dominated so far with three performances of 43 or more points.
- L.A. rallied past Portland on Monday, 123-115 without Doncic and G Austin Reaves to grab their fourth consecutive victory.
San Antonio Spurs
- San Antonio compiled a defensive rating of 112.6 or lower in each of the five wins before yielding a 127.5 offensive rating to Phoenix.
- The Spurs have faced one team currently owning a winning record, beating the Heat at home last Thursday, 107-101.
- Wemby et al are tied for sixth in the NBA in FG% with the Timberwolves at 49.8% and rank fourth in net rating at +8.8.
Los Angeles Lakers
- In spite of James' absence, the Lakers have put together an impressive offensive rating of 117.7, fifth in the league.
- The Lakers have won all four of their road games, but have split their four contests at Crypto.com Arena.
- Head coach J.J. Redick’s team is scorching hot from an EFG% standpoint, sitting second behind the Bucks at 59.2%.
Spurs vs. Lakers Picks & NBA DFS
Check out tonight’s top picks for this matchup between San Antonio and Los Angeles.
Lakers G/F Luka Doncic vs. Spurs Projection: 33.5 Points
- Doncic has played in only four of L.A.’s eight games so far, but is averaging a cool 41.3 ppg.
- In his first three games, he made 14 or more field goals and shot 35.1% from 3-point range.
- He took a slight step back in his return from a three-game absence on Sunday against Miami. Doncic scored 29 points, but struggled from 3-point land, hitting 1-of-11 attempts.
- In three matchups last season against San Antonio, Doncic averaged 21.7 ppg. That was his second-lowest average against any team he faced at least twice.
- The Spurs rank fourth in the NBA in defensive field goal percentage at 44.5%. San Antonio has allowed one player to score more than 34 points this season, as Brooklyn G Cam Thomas lit up the Spurs for 41 points on October 26.
Spurs C Victor Wembanyama vs. Lakers Projection: 41.5 Pts+Rebs
- Wembanyama has increased his scoring and rebounding average each season, racking up a combined 40.4 points and rebounds per game through six games.
- During San Antonio’s 5-0 start, Wemby put up 30.2 ppg before getting held to a season-low 9 points in Sunday’s loss at Phoenix.
- Sunday also marked the first time Wembanyama didn’t grab at least 10 rebounds, as he pulled down 9 boards. The top pick of the 2023 draft averaged 14.6 rebounds in the first five games.
- In two of three games against the Lakers last season, Wemby finished below this projection. His top performance came in a home loss to L.A., scoring 28 points and snatching 14 boards.
- In three road contests, Wembanyama is averaging a combined 37.7 points and rebounds.
Lakers C Deandre Ayton vs. Spurs Projection: 13.5 Points
- Ayton took advantage of L.A.’s top three scoring options sidelined in Monday’s win at Portland. He burned his former team for 29 points on 14-of-19 shooting from the floor.
- In five of seven games this season, the top pick of the 2018 draft has scored at least 15 points.
- In three home contests, Ayton is averaging 13.6 ppg, while converting a total of one free throw.
- Ayton faced Wembanyama twice last season as a member of the Trail Blazers. In those two games, Ayton posted 17.5 ppg, including 21 points in a November defeat at San Antonio.
- He will be tested against this San Antonio team that ranks third in the league in opponent points per game allowed at 39.7.
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The Lakers and Spurs close out an exciting night of basketball in Los Angeles that should provide plenty of fireworks.
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