Lakers vs. Clippers odds, prediction, spread, time: 2026 NBA picks for Friday, Feb. 20, from proven model
CBS Sports
by
Daniel Kohn
February 21, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Los Angeles Clippers aim to secure a victory over their同城 rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, in a highly anticipated NBA matchup on Friday, Feb. 20. Both teams enter the game with strong recent performances: the Clippers defeated the Denver Nuggets 115-114, extending their winning streak to two games, while the Lakers won 124-104 against the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 12. The matchup at Crypto.com Arena is a pivotal moment in the NBA Pacific Division standings, with the Lakers holding a slight edge as 8-point favorites in the latest betting odds.
The Clippers, currently 27-28 overall and 13-17 on the road, have shown resilience with their recent wins. They will look to capitalize on their strong defensive performance against Denver, which included key contributions from players like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. The Lakers, at 33-21 and 15-10 at home, are favored due to their consistent play and a roster that includes stars like Luka Doncic (projected for an impressive 30.1 points per game in this matchup). Both teams have demonstrated offensive prowess and defensive intensity, making the game a thrilling spectacle for fans.
SportsLine's Projection Model has simulated the game over 10,000 times, projecting a total score of 235 points, just slightly below the 226.5 over/under line set by DraftKings. The model highlights the Clippers' potential with Leonard averaging 28.1 points and four other players scoring at least 10.9 points. On the Lakers' side, Doncic is expected to lead with 30
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/21/2026