The Lakers and the Knicks are easily the two most scrutinized teams in the NBA and are arguably the league`s two most disappointing teams over the past few seasons. It doesn`t matter who’s on the roster or how stiff their competition is, the teams always enter an NBA season with lofty and often unrealistic expectations, and this upcoming season is no different.
With the season tipping-off on Tuesday, online sportsbook Sportsbook has put together some Knicks vs Lakers props, pitting the two teams, and as a result, the two fan bases against each other.
After finding themselves outside of the playoff picture last season, both teams have aspirations of making a postseason run this season. Both teams added lottery draft picks who will be expected to contribute right away and both will see the return of marquee players who were injured last season. Sportsbook gives the Knicks the edge for more wins, placing them as -130 favorites to have more wins than the Lakers who sit at -110.
The Knicks likely get the head-to-head wins edge due to playing in a weaker conference, but the sportsbook has both teams tied at -120 for who finishes higher within their respective conference.
After finishing in dead last in points per game last season, it should come as no surprise to see the Knicks as a +110 underdog to the Lakers -150 for which team will average the most points per game during the season.
- New York Knicks -130
- Los Angeles Lakers -110
- New York Knicks -120
- Los Angeles Lakers -120
- New York Knicks +110
- Los Angeles Lakers -150
Kobe vs Carmelo
As Kobe Bryant enters the twilight of his career, Carmelo Anthony will hope to re-enter the prime of his after an injury shortened season in 2014/15. [custom:Sportsbook-link] has pitted the two team leaders against each other in a number of key categories.
While Melo only appeared in 40 games last season, Kobe played in even less, participating in just 35 games, after playing in only six the season before. For who will play more games, Anthony is the obvious favorite at -9.5 games played, while also coming out ahead in minutes per game at -3 minutes per game.
The two players are easily among the top scorers in recent NBA history and will likely see the lion`s share of shot opportunities for their respective teams. Anthony registered 24.2 points per game last season while Kobe put up 22.3 points per game. Their career scoring averages are extremely close, with Kobe having the slight edge at 25.4 to Carmelo`s 25.2. For who will average more points, the sportsbook has the younger Melo as a -6.5 point favorite between the two this season.
- Carmelo Anthony -6.5 PPG -120
- Kobe Bryant +6.5 PPG -120
- Carmelo Anthony -3 Minutes -120
- Kobe Bryant +3 Minutes -120
- Carmelo Anthony -9.5 Games Played -120
- Kobe Bryant +9.5 Games Played -120
