NBA picks: Clippers vs. Lakers prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Sunday, Jan. 7

The Los Angeles Clippers (22-12) and Los Angeles Lakers (17-19) will add another chapter in their rivalry Sunday night with both teams trending in opposite directions ahead of the game. The Clippers have won five in a row and are challenging to be the best team in the West, while the Lakers have dropped four straight amid reports of a disconnect between the players and head coach Darvin Ham. The Lakers did halt an 11-game losing streak against the Clippers in the head-to-head matchup earlier this season, winning 130-125 in overtime.

The Clippers are clean on the injury front. D’Angelo Russell has been upgraded to questionable for the Lakers, a sign he could return. Anthony Davis is probable, while LeBron James is questionable but is expected to suit up. Rui Hachimura and Gabe Vincent are out.

The Clippers are 5-point favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the total coming in at 232. The Clippers are -198 on the moneyline while the Lakers are +164.

Clippers vs. Lakers, 9:30 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Clippers -5

The Lakers did show up the last time these teams met, but the current state of the city’s top franchise is not good. The Lakers have failed to cover in their four losses, and this home stand is turning into a bit of a nightmare. On the flip side, the Clippers have covered in four of their last five games.

Over the last five games, the Clippers are averaging a little over seven points per game more than the Lakers. The Clippers also rank third in points allowed per game during that span, while the Lakers have dropped to 19th. I like the Clippers to extend their winning streak tonight.

Over/Under: Under 232

As mentioned above, the Lakers are truly disjointed at the moment. They are typically an excellent defensive team at home, but they’ve given up 117.2 points per game over the last five games. Twice, they’ve allowed 120+ points. The Clippers have allowed just 106.2 points per game during the same span. They’ve gone over their total just once during this recent winning streak, and I like their defense to hold form again Sunday. Take the under in this one.