Knicks vs. Lakers prediction: Best bet as New York looks to extend winning streak

Winners of nine straight after rallying past the Pacers on Thursday, the Knicks look to pad their winning streak Saturday night as they host the Lakers at Madison Square Garden. 

The Lakers are coming off a 114-105 road victory over the Celtics on Thursday as 15.5-point underdogs, making it the season’s biggest upset so far. 

It was stunning because LeBron James (ankle) and Anthony Davis (Achilles, hip) were late scratches, but the Lakers played a freer style of offense without their stars. 

Guards Austin Reaves (32 points) and D’Angelo Russell (16-8-14) led the offensive attack, while Jarred Vanderbilt and Jaxson Hayes used their length and athleticism to disrupt Boston’s lethal offense. 

With the extra rest amid a stretch of three games in four nights, Los Angeles hopes to get James and Davis back Saturday. 

In mid-December, the Knicks held off the Lakers in L.A., 114-109, as five-point underdogs.

James and Davis combined for 57 points in the loss, while Julius Randle scored 27 for the Knicks. 

The Knicks are just as banged up as the Lakers, if not more.

Randle (shoulder) remains sidelined, OG Anunoby (elbow) has missed the Knicks’ last three games, and Quentin Grimes (knee) sat out against the Pacers. 

Precious Achiuwa, Donte DiVincenzo and Josh Hart have filled in nicely, with DiVincenzo averaging 27 points over the last three games.

Coming off a 40-point performance, Jalen Brunson looks like an MVP candidate, averaging 31 points in the Knicks’ 14-2 run since the start of the new year. 

Assuming the Lakers get James and Davis back, Los Angeles should be able to stay within two scores against an undermanned Knicks squad. 

THE PLAY: Lakers +5.5 (-110, FanDuel).