- LeBron James Over 36.5 combined stats (+105) looks strong given his increased usage without Reaves and recent January averages of 15.3 rebounds/assists alone.
- James Harden Over 39.5 combined stats (-130) benefits from heavy workload and facing a Lakers defense that allowed 138 points to Chicago this week.
LOS ANGELES — The crosstown rivalry heats up again tonight at 10 PM ET when the Lakers visit the Clippers at Intuit Dome. The spread is tight at Clippers -1.5, but the real action is happening on a couple of player props that are getting heavy looks from bettors.
There are a lot of health worries going into tonight’s match. Leonard’s knee condition makes him doubtful for the Clippers, and Reaves’ calf will prevent him from playing for the Lakers. People who observe legal sports betting markets have seen that the veteran stars will have to carry heavier loads as a result of these absences.
Featured Player Props:
- LeBron James Points + Rebounds + Assists Over 36.5 +105
- James Harden Points + Rebounds + Assists Over 39.5 -130
LeBron James Over 36.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
The stats don’t capture everything LeBron James brings each night. He’s averaging 22.5 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 7.0 assists, but his impact goes well beyond those figures. James’ usage rate increases dramatically when Reaves sits, bringing his point total closer to 26 while directing more of the Lakers’ offensive settings.
James has been particularly effective this month as a distributor and on the boards, averaging 7.7 rebounds and 7.6 assists per game in January. Before adding additional points, he is at 15.3 in the two categories alone. In four of his last five games, he has above this 36.5 threshold, and this week he almost had a triple-double against Denver. This is set at +105 by Bovada.
James Harden Over 39.5 Points + Rebounds + Assists
Harden’s shouldering a massive workload for the Clippers at 26.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per contest. That’s 38.8 combined right off his season averages. If Leonard can’t go, expect those numbers to tick up even more.
James Harden also benefits from the timing. Chicago just scored 138 points against LA’s defense, which has been particularly weak on the perimeter. With four or more rebounds in six of the last seven games, Harden has also been hitting the glass hard lately. This prop is being backed at -130 on all legal platforms, even though California sportsbooks aren’t yet operational.
These combination wagers are worth keeping an eye on because both future Hall of Famers will have larger roles tonight.
