The Los Angeles Lakers host the Los Angeles Clippers for the first of two matchups in three days.
The pregame narrative: I’m skeptical that the Lakers will be at full strength on Friday night, which is the primary reason why I’m siding with the visiting Clippers on the moneyline. I also expect solid performances from Ivica Zubac and Austin Reaves.
Check out my Clippers vs. Lakers same-game parlay predictions for Feb. 28.
Clippers vs. Lakers predictions
Parlay: Clippers ML | Zubac 12+ rebounds | Reaves 30+ PRA (+270)
Clippers moneyline (-182): The Clippers have yet to see the Luka Doncic version of the Lakers, and they could be left waiting another couple of days.
Doncic returned from a calf injury less than three weeks ago. If he plays tonight, it’ll be his first back-to-back since Nov. 4.
It’s his birthday today, and it happens to be a marquee matchup … but I still don’t expect him to play.
Even if he does, though, the Clippers should have the upper hand due to yesterday’s off-day. The Clips are 10-5 SU and 11-4 ATS with a rest advantage, per Team Rankings.
Also, Norman Powell was upgraded to questionable on the injury report after missing the past four games. Having the team’s leading scorer (24.2 PPG) back in the lineup would be nice.
SGP legs
Zubac 12+ rebounds (-155): Zubac averages 12.5 rebounds, which ranks fourth in the NBA. All we need is a regular output from him in what should be a great matchup.
- The Lakers allow the eighth-most rebounds to opposing centres (15.52), per Betting Pros.
- LAL’s top rebounder this season, Anthony Davis, is now employed elsewhere. And with Rui Hachimura ruled out — plus the possibility of no Doncic — there are very few imposing rebounders remaining.
Zubac snagged 10 rebounds when he last faced the Lakers, but that was in just 28 minutes because the game turned into a blowout.
In eight games since then, Zubac has averaged 12.1 rebounds in 32.4 minutes, cashing this bet five times.
Reaves 30+ points/rebounds/assists (-205): It might be a bit rash to think that Reaves is part of a three-headed monster with Doncic and LeBron James, but he’s playing up to that level right now.
The undrafted guard has taken on a lot more responsibility in Year 4, and he’s making the most of it. On the season, Reaves is averaging 29.6 PRA — up from 25.7 PRA a year ago.
February has been a special month for Reaves, and not just because of his career-high 45 points a few weeks back.
All month long, he’s been a remarkably productive player:
- 23.5 PPG
- 4.6 RPG
- 6.1 APG
- 92.6 FT%
- 30+ PRA in 9 of 11 games
On Feb. 4, Reaves posted 20 points, six rebounds and nine assists against the Clippers.
With or without Doncic, Reaves should be up to the task for this PRA milestone tonight.
Picks made at 3:00 p.m. ET 02/28/2025.
Jordan enjoys writing data-driven game previews and analysis articles — especially for MLB markets or NFL/NBA props. And as a proud Ohio University grad, he’ll always have a soft spot for college sports (especially if the Bobcats are involved). Previous stops include mlb.com, Sportsnet and The Athletic.