The Lakers beat the Clippers in overtime on Nov 1 to end a Clippers 11-game win streak. But the Lakers are a much different team from November. They’ve lost their last four and nine of 11. Anthony Davis and LeBron James are listed on the injury report, probable and questionable, daily and now there’s an alleged rift with coach Darvin Ham. The Clippers have won five straight and covered their last four. They look like the best team in the NBA right now. Clippers to cover.

Given the recent trendlines both ways, this spread looks pretty thin and apparent good value with the Clippers. First, series history, in which the Clips had won 11 in a row in the Battle for LA before losing a bitter OT verdict on November 1. Second, recent form, as the Clips have won five straight and 14 of the last 16, while the Lake Show is 3-10 since winning the IST last month. Third, chemistry, which everyone from LeBron on down can admit is absent from the Lakers at the moment, especially in their four-game losing streak. Play Clippers