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Game Preview: San Antonio Spurs @ Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers return home Wednesday for the NBA Cup West semifinal as they host the surging San Antonio Spurs in a matchup that could determine who becomes the top challenger to the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. Los Angeles has won nine of its last 11, stabilizing since LeBron James returned from injury, while San Antonio has won eight of 11 despite playing without Victor Wembanyama (calf). The winner advances to Las Vegas for Saturday’s West final. The Lakers opened as moderate home favorites with a total in the mid-230s. This semifinal is featured on the ScoresAndStats NBA previews page.
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Odds and Key Information
Los Angeles opened around -6 with early support leaning toward the home team, though bettors have kept an eye on Wembanyama’s status after he traveled with San Antonio and participated in pregame workouts Monday. The total opened near 235.5 with a slight upward push based on San Antonio’s recent shooting surge and the Lakers’ vulnerability defending perimeter attempts.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham highlighted the importance of improved perimeter coverage, particularly with Marcus Smart (back) expected to return after missing six games. Spurs rookie Dylan Harper praised the backcourt’s chemistry and unselfish play, noting the shared approach among guards.
Los Angeles Lakers Outlook
The Lakers continue trending upward with LeBron James regaining rhythm. James produced a season-high 29 points in Sunday’s 112-108 win at Philadelphia, hitting two late threes to seal the victory. In seven games this season, James averages 16.1 points and 7.6 assists, though his fourth-quarter takeover in Philadelphia displayed his ability to elevate when the moment requires it.
Los Angeles has benefitted from balanced scoring and improved lineup cohesion, but their week-to-week challenge remains three-point defense. Opponents shoot 37.9 percent from deep against the Lakers, one of the NBA’s least effective marks. Smart’s return could stabilize their point-of-attack coverage, allowing better rotations and more disciplined closeouts.
Austin Reaves remains a key connector but struggled in Philadelphia, shooting just 3-for-16. Interior production and defensive rebounding have been strengths, though late-game perimeter lapses still create volatility. For lineup updates, consult the Lakers injury report.
San Antonio Spurs Outlook
San Antonio arrives with confidence after a 135-132 overtime win against the Pelicans, fueled by strong guard play and efficient three-point shooting. Without Wembanyama, the Spurs launched 36 threes and made 17 (47.2 percent), leveraging spacing advantages that will test Los Angeles’ perimeter defense.
Harrison Barnes scored 24 points with four threes on Monday, while rookie Dylan Harper added 22 off the bench. Julian Champagnie hit five threes en route to 17 points. Stephon Castle returned from a hip injury and delivered 18 points with five assists, marking the first time he, Harper, and De’Aaron Fox have played together this season.
Harper noted that the guard trio’s chemistry stems from trust and lack of ego, allowing them to play freely and seek collective success. The Spurs’ ability to maintain spacing without Wembanyama has opened lanes and allowed their shooters to find rhythm early. For updated availability, see the Spurs injury report.
Key Matchup Table
| Key Factor | Advantage |
|---|---|
| Three-Point Shooting | Spurs |
| Interior Defense | Lakers |
| Late-Game Creation | Lakers |
| Backcourt Depth | Spurs |
| Home-Court Impact | Lakers |
Betting Trends
The Lakers are 8-11 ATS and have struggled to cover consistently, particularly as favorites, due to defensive variance on the perimeter. Their totals lean over in games where opponents excel from deep, and San Antonio presents one of the season’s strongest perimeter-heavy challenges.
The Spurs are 10-9 ATS and have performed well against the number when shooting efficiency rises early. Overs have hit frequently in Spurs games thanks to a combination of pace and defensive breakdowns, especially against elite shot creators. Recent history favors high-scoring contests when both offenses are in rhythm.
Bettors can track updated pricing on the ScoresAndStats NBA odds board.
The Lean
San Antonio’s perimeter firepower and potential Wembanyama return add intrigue, but the Lakers’ late-game edge and superior interior defense remain key. Expect Los Angeles to challenge early Spurs threes and counter with sustained halfcourt efficiency. If Smart plays, the Lakers gain an important defensive anchor, especially against balanced Spurs guard rotations. James’ ability to control fourth quarters should ultimately tilt the matchup.
Projected Score: Lakers 119, Spurs 113
Best Bet: Lakers -6
Total Lean: Under 235.5
For more NBA Cup semifinal coverage and predictive analysis, visit the ScoresAndStats NBA preview hub.
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