<p>
The Los Angeles Lakers host the Washington Wizards in a Non-Conference matchup. Tip-off is set for 10:30 PM ET at the Staples Center.
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<h2>
Probable Starting Lineups<br />
</h2>
<p>
<b>Washington Wizards</b> PG Raul Neto, SG Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, SF Corey Kispert, PF Kyle Kuzma, C Kristaps Porzingis<br />
<b>Los Angeles Lakers</b> PG Russell Westbrook, SG Malik Monk P, SF Austin Reaves, PF Stanley Johnson, C LeBron James Q
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<h2>
Key Injuries<br />
</h2>
<p>
<b>Washington Wizards </b> Vernon Carey Jr.: Hip (QUESTIONABLE) Bradley Beal: Wrist (OUT)
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<p>
<b>Los Angeles Lakers </b> Malik Monk: Shoulder (PROBABLE) LeBron James: Knee (QUESTIONABLE) Talen Horton-Tucker: Ankle (QUESTIONABLE) Anthony Davis: Ankle (OUT) Kendrick Nunn: Ankle (OUT)
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<h2>
Recent Form<br />
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<p>
The Washington Wizards come into this game with an overall record of 29-35, placing them 11th in the Eastern Conference. Throughout the season, Washington has struggled in their 30 road contests, sitting at 12-18. Over the Wizards' last five games, they have picked up just 2 wins. During this stretch, Washington is averaging 112.0 points per game, 4.0 points more than their season average of 108.1. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 110.0 points per contest. In this recent cold stretch, the Wizards are allowing an average of 112.0 points per game, similar to their usual rate of 110.8. In the Washington Wizards' most recent game, the team fell to the LA Clippers by a score of 115-109.
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<p>
The Los Angeles Lakers come into this game with an overall record of 28-37, placing them 9th in the Western Conference. So far, Los Angeles is above .500 at home, holding a record of 19-16. Over the Lakers' last five games, they have picked up just 1 win. During this stretch, Los Angeles is averaging 116.0 points per game, 5.0 points more than their season average of 110.9. This uptick in offensive play has come while playing a group of opponents who are collectively giving up 109.0 points per contest. A key reason for the Lakers' recent struggles is a defensive unit giving up 123.0 points over their last five contests. This figure is up from their season average of 113.2. In the Los Angeles Lakers' most recent game, the team fell to Houston by a score of 139-130.
</p>
<h2>
Individual Player Analysis<br />
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<p>
As Washington travels to take on the Los Angeles Lakers, the Wizards' leading scorer is Bradley Beal. Through 41 games, Beal is averaging 23 points. On the season, he has surpassed his season average in 46.0% of his games. As Beal gets set to take on the Lakers, he could be in line for a big game as Los Angeles is allowing their opponent's top scorer to surpass their season average in 54.72% of their games. This figure places them 27th among NBA defenses. On the other side, LeBron James leads the Lakers in scoring, averaging 29 points across his 51 games. Throughout the season, James has outscored his season average in 51.0% of his outings. On the season, the Wizards have allowed their opponent's top scorer to surpass their season average in 50.0% of their games, giving them a rank of 19th among NBA defenses.
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<h2>
Matchup Analysis<br />
</h2>
<p>
The Wizards come into this game as the more efficient offensive team, averaging 107.3 points per 100 possessions. When playing as the superior offensive unit, Washington is winning at a rate of 62%. These victories are coming by an average margin of 5.0 points. On the other side, the Lakers hold the advantage on the defensive end of the floor. So far, they have played 16 games as the better defensive team, picking up 10 wins (62%).
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<h2>
The Historicals<br />
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<p>
Today's matchup between the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers will be their first meeting of the season.
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<h2>
How the Public is Betting the Wizards vs Lakers<br />
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<p>
67% are betting the Lakers against the spread.<br />
52% are wagering on the game to go over the posted total of 228.5
</p>
<p>
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</p>
<h2>
Betting Trends Worth Noting<br />
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<ul>
<li>
Wizards are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
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<li>
Wizards are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss.
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Lakers are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS loss.
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<li>
Lakers are 8-18 ATS in their last 26 home games vs. a team with a losing road record.
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</ul>