Betting tips / Matthew Reid / 25 January 2012 / Leave a comment Bet Now View Market

The Clippers recently knocked off the Lakers to gain bragging rights in Los Angeles, and although the Lakers will be desperate to turn the tables, Matthew Reid still believes the Clippers look more likely to win their upcoming contest.

It's quite common that teams will play each other twice in quick succession in the NBA and traditionally the result of the second game is either a lot closer or completely different than the first one.

Based on that theory you would expect the Lakers to reverse their 102-94 loss on the 14th January, and the market currently reflects such, with the Lakers trading at 1.65.

Even taking that information into account, the Lakers price is well under the odds. They have lost three straight and continue to rely far too heavily on Kobe Bryant to carry their offensive load.

The Lakers back-court, and more specifically Derek Fisher, have struggled to contain quick Point Guards. Chris Paul torched them for 33 in the first meeting between these teams, and even though he is doubtful for this match due to injury, the Clippers have a more than capable back-up in Mo Williams.

Williams didn't play the first match against the Lakers and is coming off a strong 26-point performance against the Raptors. Even if Paul doesn't play, Williams will create plenty of headaches for the Lakers.

The prices on offer in this match will be significantly impacted by Chris Paul either being in a suit or a Clippers jersey, but, as mentioned, they will in my opinion be skewed too far. If Paul plays, the Clippers should be favoured, and if he doesn't, they should be more around evens than the price that will be offered.

You can expect strong games from the Lakers big three in Bynum, Gasol and Bryant, but their supporting cast are the reason they are struggling this year.

Back the Clippers at the value they represent to make it 2/2 this season against their co-tenants at the Staples Centre.