Who Runs LA?

To quote my girl Rihanna, “Only thing that's on my mind is who's gon' run this town tonight.” Friday night, LeBron & Co. handled the best team in the NBA. And LeBron looks to continue his control of the MVP race today against the Clippers on national TV. Both teams are locked in and looking to continue their grooves into the playoffs. The Clippers are 7-3 in their last 10 games, with a 6-game winning streak, while the Lakers are 9-1 in the last 10, riding a 3-game win streak. The showdown will obviously take place in the Staples Center. This time the Clippers will be “home.”

The Clippers, when fully healthy, are 10-0 and win by an average of 17 points. Guess what….They’re healthy. Vegas has the game tight, with the Clippers being just a -2.5 favorite over the Lakers. Not saying much, but the Clippers are coming off a 15-point win against the Rockets where the bigs, Montrezl Harell (19 points, 10 rebounds) and Zubac (17 points, 12 rebounds) had a big night for the #2 seed in the West.

The Lakers are coming off a big win, a perfect defensive game slowing down the reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Granted, they busted his lip (required three stitches). The Bucks were never comfortable. The Lakers did a fantastic job with the help of defense creating a wall whenever Giannis looked to drive. The role players for the Bucks weren’t taking advantage of their open looks, but the Lakers’ defense was stellar. Tonight, the perimeter players are a bit better than the likes of the Bucks, with PG-13, Kawhi, and Lou Williams looking to make it three wins in a row against the Lakers.

I think tonight will be very similar to the Lakers/Bucks game. It’ll have a playoff feel and be a defensive battle. Both teams are cranking up the defensive effort. The under has hit 5 of their last 7 games for each of these teams. Tonight, it’s set at 225.5. I’m gonna ride the wave, and take the Clippers -2.5 and the under.

It’s a tough game to predict, but I think Harrell will be the bruiser he is and try to throw Anthony Davis off his game and allow Kawhi or PG-13 to take advantage. LeBron can only cover one person. I see one of the two having a fantastic night, with the underground GOAT in Lou Williams holding down the fort for the second unit scoring. This could potentially be the Western Conference Finals matchup, I couldn’t shy away from a pick in this game, so I went with two. Put your feet up, cook up some kettle corn, and enjoy the show.

Deaf Pick of the Day: Clippers -2.5 and the Under 225.5

Prediction: 113-106 Clippers

So, tail or fade, let me know on Twitter @Deaf_Picks and check the local link below to jump on board.

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