Ricky Dimon
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We have a nine-game slate in the NBA on Monday, headlined by a double-header on ESPN in addition to this showdown between the New York Knicks and Los Angeles. Let’s take a look at the best same game parlay option for New York vs. Los Angeles, and be sure to check out our full game preview for picks on the side and total.
Lakers ML (+110)
Over 205.5 (-114)
Julius Randle Over 23.5 points (-108)
RJ Barrett Over 2.5 assists (-158)
Part of the value in same game parlays, of course, is that all of its components can be correlated if you so choose. That is part of the plan here, as productive performances by Julius Randle and RJ Barrett would obviously help take this game over the 205.5 total. At the same time, plays that aren’t correlated drive up the overall payout of the parlay. That is also the case with the Randle and Barrett props, as they don’t exactly match up well with a Lakers victory. Still, there is no reason why L.A. can’t take care of business even if New York’s two best players do a decent amount of work on the stat sheet.
Lakers ML (+110)
The Knicks were able to grind out a win over Toronto on Sunday but now find themselves playing on a second night of a back-to-back against the Lakers. Los Angeles will be well rested, having played Brooklyn on Saturday before getting Sunday off. The Nets had both Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving on the floor (not James Harden), but the Lakers still rolled to a 126-121. Although LeBron James and Anthony Davis remain out, the Lakers could see the return of Marc Gasol, Wesley Matthews, and Kyle Kuzma. And, of course, L.A. acquired Andre Drummond at the trade deadline. Drummond has recorded two straight double-doubles and will have a huge physical advantage over Nerlens Noel.
Over 205.5 (-114)
While both teams rank well in terms of defensive rating and not as much when it comes to offensive rating over the last 10 games, this line seems a bit too low. Over the last 10 games the Lakers rank seventh in the NBA in terms of pace. The Knicks recently played the Grizzlies at home in a game that combined for 228 points in regulation. L.A.’s current squad makeup is similar to that of the Grizzlies, with a dominant big man on the interior and a speedy point guard up top looking to push the pace. Over the last 10 games, the Lakers are the highest-scoring team in the league off turnovers—something that should help them to get some easy scores tonight. With Drummond getting integrated into the fold more and more, look for the home team to pick up a fair amount of second-chance points, too.
Julius Randle Over 23.5 points (-108)
The Lakers are in the bottom half of the NBA in points in the paint allowed per game. Sure they have Drummond now, but they still surrendered 60 paint points to the Nets this past weekend—and that is especially alarming given that it’s the Nets, not exactly a post-oriented team on the offensive end. Randle has forked up at least 19 shots in five of the last seven games and he has attempted 20 free-throws in the last two. With that many opportunities, he should be able to victimize the Lakers to a sizable extent. The former Kentucky standout is coming off a 26-point effort against the Raptors.
RJ Barrett Over 2.5 assists (-158)
L.A. is giving up assists on more than 62 percent of its opponents made baskets in 2020-21, the 23rd most in the association. Barrett has exceeded this quota in 10 of the last 16 contests and in eight of those 10 he has dished out at least four assists. It should also be noted that the former Duke standout has logged at least 33 minutes in each of the past four outings. He is going to have plenty of chances.
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