Lakers Face Nets Without LeBron: Latest Odds, Spread & Best Bets/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Los Angeles Lakers (40-22) face the Brooklyn Nets (21-42) on March 10 without LeBron James (groin), who could miss two weeks. Luka Doncic (back) is probable and expected to lead LA, which has won eight of its last nine games. The struggling Nets, on a seven-game skid, will rely on D’Angelo Russell and the returning Cameron Johnson. The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites, with the over/under set at 216.5 points. SportsLine’s model, which has returned $10,000+ in betting profits, leans toward the Under (211 points projected) and has identified a spread winner in nearly 70% of simulations.
Lakers vs. Nets: Quick Looks
- Los Angeles Lakers (40-22) take on Brooklyn Nets (21-42) at Barclays Center on Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
- LeBron James (groin) is out for the Lakers and could miss up to two weeks.
- Luka Doncic (back) is probable for Los Angeles, giving them a needed boost.
- Brooklyn is on a seven-game losing streak, while LA has won eight of its last nine.
- Betting Odds: Lakers -5.5 favorites, Over/Under 216.5 total points.
- SportsLine Model has simulated this game 10,000 times, giving a nearly 70% chance of one side covering the spread.
Deep Look: Lakers vs. Nets – Betting Preview & Key Matchups
Lakers Seek Another Win Without LeBron James
The Los Angeles Lakers will have to navigate the next two weeks without LeBron James, who is sidelined with a groin injury. Despite the setback, LA remains third in the Western Conference and looks to maintain momentum against a struggling Brooklyn squad.
- Luka Doncic (probable, back) will need to step up. Since joining the Lakers, he’s been averaging:
- 24.7 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 7.6 APG in 33.5 minutes per game.
- Double-double in last game vs. Knicks (32 points, 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 4 steals).
- Austin Reaves continues to play a key role:
- Averaging 18.8 PPG, 5.8 APG, 4.3 RPG this season.
- Scored 23 points vs. Timberwolves on Feb. 27.
With Dorian Finney-Smith (ankle), Rui Hachimura (knee), and Jaxson Hayes (knee) also out, the Lakers will rely heavily on Doncic and Reaves to carry the offense.
Can the Nets Snap Their Losing Streak?
The Brooklyn Nets are in free fall, losing seven straight games and sitting near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. They lost 105-102 to the Hornets on Saturday but will get Cameron Johnson (knee) back for this matchup.
- D’Angelo Russell, who was acquired in a midseason trade, is stepping up:
- Averaging 14.1 PPG, 5.7 APG, 2.8 RPG with the Nets.
- Scored 28 points, 7 assists, 6 rebounds vs. Hornets.
- Cam Thomas (hamstring) remains out, forcing Brooklyn to lean on Russell for scoring.
Lakers vs. Nets Betting Odds & Predictions
The Lakers are 5.5-point favorites, per SportsLine consensus odds.
- Point Spread: Lakers -5.5
- Over/Under: 216.5 total points
- Moneyline: Lakers -230 | Nets +189
SportsLine’s advanced model, which has returned $10,000+ in betting profits, simulated the game 10,000 times and is leaning Under (projecting 211 total points).
Final Prediction & Best Bets
- Lakers cover (-5.5) → LA has won 8 of its last 9, while Brooklyn is struggling.
- Under 216.5 total points → Both teams missing key scorers, defense could be stronger than expected.
- Luka Doncic Over 25.5 points → With LeBron out, Doncic should take over offensively.
Where to Bet on Lakers vs. Nets
- FanDuel Sportsbook – Risk-free first bet up to $1,000.
- DraftKings – Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets.
- BetMGM – First bet insurance up to $1,500.
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