The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks will face off in a blockbuster regular-season game at Madison Square Garden on Saturday, with tipoff set for 7 p.m. ET. The two teams are meeting for the first time this season, but recent history favors the Lakers, who won twice last year.

this lakers Arriving in New York after a 31-point rout of the lowly Washington Wizards, they had previously lost by 30 points to the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Purple and Gold rank fifth in the Western Conference with a record of 29 wins and 18 losses.

The Knicks, meanwhile, are currently on a rampage, winning their past five games with their most recent victory coming against the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday. New York ranks second in the Eastern Conference with a record of 30 wins and 18 losses.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks preview, tonight’s starting lineup, betting tips and game predictions

Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks Betting Tips and Odds

Money line: Lakers (+147), Knicks (-177)

spread: Lakers +4.5 (-116), Knicks -4.5 (-105)

Total over/under o/u: Lakers o229.5 (-111), Knicks u229.5 (-111)

Editor’s note: Odds may change closer to kickoff.

Betting Tips

  • Luka Doncic is projected to score over 32.5 points. Over the past six games, he’s averaging an astonishing 35.8 points per game.
  • Jalen Brunson is projected to have less than 6.5 assists.
  • Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to have over 11.5 rebounds. He leads the league in rebounds this season.

Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks Preview

The Lakers average 116.5 points per game, while the Knicks average 117.7 points per game. While the Knicks’ defense was abysmal a month after winning the NBA Cup, Mike Brown’s team has improved considerably in that area. The Knicks are averaging 112.3 points per game, and the Lakers are averaging 116.4 points per game.

Whether it’s the Lakers or Knicks is a good offensive team with aggressive offensive weapons capable of breaking out for 50 points on any given day. The Lakers rank sixth in offensive rating at 118.0, while the Knicks rank third in offensive rating at 120.1.

Lakers must find a way to contain Jaylen Brunson Stop him from shredding their defense if they want a chance to win. Deandre Ayton will also play a key role as he needs to limit the rebounding of Towns, the league’s leading rebounder. Austin Reaves remains questionable with a left calf strain and is expected to be officially confirmed before kickoff.

The Knicks will look to Brunson to outwit the Lakers’ inconsistent defense, which ranks 25th in defensive efficiency. New York will need to find a way to defend Doncic and James without fouling, as the Lakers are one of the league’s leaders in free throw attempts per game.

Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup tonight against New York Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers starting lineup

PG: Luka Doncic, SG: Marcus Smart, SF: Jake Laravia, PF: LeBron James, C: Deandre Ayton.

Lakers depth chart vs. Knicks:

point of sale

starter

second place

third time

point guard

 Luka Doncic Gabe Vincent

shooting guard

 Marcus Smart Dalton Knecht Bronny James

small forward

 Jack Laravia Rui Hachimura Nick Smith Jr.

power forward

 LeBron James Jared Vanderbilt

Drew Timm

center

 Deandre Ayton Maxi glue

New York Knicks starting lineup

PG: Jalen Brunson, SG: Mikal Bridges, SF: Josh Hart, PF: OG Anunoby, C: Karl-Anthony Towns.

Knicks depth chart vs. Lakers:

PG Jaylen Brunson Tyler Kollek
SG Josh Hart Jordan Clarkson Pacom Dadit
SF Express Mikal Bridges Tosun Ebuwanwan Kevin McCuller Jr.
PF and Anunoby Gershon Yabusele
C Karl Anthony Towns Mitchell Robinson Ariel Hookboty

Los Angeles Lakers vs New York Knicks Prediction

The Knicks are in good shape, and playing at home gives them a huge advantage. The Lakers are coming off a long road trip, and fatigue from the trip could take its toll. Overall, the Knicks are just a better team in terms of talent than the Lakers.

The Knicks are expected to extend their winning streak to six games with a hard-fought win. Final score prediction: Knicks win 122-110