The red-hot Lakers, riding a seven-game win streak and fighting for the West's second seed, face a stern test against a Knicks squad that's proven they can hang with anyone since Karl-Anthony Towns' return to the lineup.
LeBron James and Luka Doncic have been lighting it up for the home team, combining for nearly 48 points per game, while the Knicks counter with their own dynamic duo of Jalen Brunson and Towns who've been putting up similar numbers.
The matchup pits the Lakers' impressive 24-7 home record against a Knicks team that's dominated second-quarter scoring this season, setting up what should be a classic battle between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks at the Crypto.com Arena.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks prediction: who will win?
For tonight's Lakers vs Knicks matchup, our predictive model gives the Lakers a 67.5% chance of defeating the Knicks.
Pre-game probabilities
Los Angeles Lakers
Moneyline
Win %
67.5%
32.5%
New York Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers: 67.5% win probability
- Outstanding recent momentum (Perfect 5-0 in last five games - WWWWW)
- Superior defensive efficiency (6671 points against in 60 games, compared to Knicks' 6889 in 61)
- Higher win percentage (39-21 record translating to .650 vs Knicks' .656)
New York Knicks: 32.5% win probability
- Inconsistent recent form (3-2 in last five games - LWWWL)
- Road game disadvantage (Playing away against a team with 39-21 home record)
- Lower scoring efficiency (7160 points in 61 games vs Lakers' 6788 in 60 games, despite playing more games)
At Sporting Post, our unique prediction model brings together insights from top NBA experts. Instead of searching through countless expert analyses online, you can rely on our predictions to capture the market's overall sentiment. We scan trusted sources, analyzing expert picks, data, and trends, while our AI assigns a confidence level to each prediction. These confidence levels are then averaged to generate an 'expert opinion' win probability—providing a data-driven reflection of the collective intelligence of the industry's leading NBA analysts..
| Los Angeles Lakers | New York Knicks | |
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Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks preview
The red-hot Lakers are riding a seven-game winning streak into Thursday's heavyweight clash with the Knicks at Crypto.com Arena, setting up what could be one of the season's most compelling cross-conference matchups.
LeBron James has been turning back the clock lately, coming off a masterful 34-point performance against the Pelicans where he shot a blistering 55% from the field while dishing out six assists.
The Knicks, despite their recent stumble against Golden State, have been a force to reckon with since Karl-Anthony Towns joined their lineup, though they'll need more from OG Anunoby - who dropped 29 in their last outing - to counter LA's momentum.
Both teams are neck-and-neck in their respective conference standings, with the Lakers chasing Denver for the second seed out West while the Knicks aim to maintain their strong position in the East.
The Lakers' home court advantage has been no joke this season - they're 24-7 at Crypto.com Arena - but the Knicks have historically played them tough, with underdogs covering in their last five meetings.
Keep an eye on the second quarter, where the Knicks lead the league in scoring (30.5 points), though they'll be tested by a Lakers defense that's among the NBA's stingiest.
The injury report could shake things up, with both teams potentially missing key pieces - Rui Hachimura's absence might hurt the Lakers' depth, while the Knicks are sweating over OG Anunoby's availability.
This clash of styles - the Lakers' recent offensive explosion versus the Knicks' grinding efficiency - should make for must-watch basketball on TNT.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks form
Los Angeles Lakers vs. New York Knicks head to head
Los Angeles Lakers
67%
New York Knicks
33%
Feb 2, 2025
New York Knicks
112 : 128
Los Angeles Lakers
Feb 4, 2024
New York Knicks
105 : 113
Los Angeles Lakers
Dec 19, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers
109 : 114
New York Knicks
Mar 13, 2023
Los Angeles Lakers
108 : 112
New York Knicks
Feb 1, 2023
New York Knicks
123 : 129
Los Angeles Lakers
Feb 6, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers
122 : 115
New York Knicks
