NBA picks: Knicks-Lakers prediction, odds, over/under, spread, injury report for Monday, Dec. 18

Tonight’s packed NBA slate will feature the New York Knicks continuing their five-game west coast road trip when meeting the Los Angeles Lakers at 10:30 p.m. ET.

The Knicks (14-11) are1-2 so far on this road trip and were scorched by the red-hot Clippers in a 144-122 loss Saturday. This game started to get away from the Knicks in the second quarter and the Clips pressed down the gas in the third to put it out of reach. Meanwhile, Los Angeles (15-11) is trying to bounce back after falling to the Spurs in a 129-115 loss on Friday. The Lakers never led in the entire contest as Devin Vassell and Victor Wembanyama helped end San Antonio’s 18-game losing streak.

On the injury front, the Lakers have several key players listed on today’s report. LeBron James (calf), Anthony Davis (hip), and Christian Wood (illness) are questionable while D’Angelo Russell (illness) is probable and Rui Hachimura (nasal) is available. For the Knicks, Mitchell Robinson (ankle) will miss his fifth straight game.

Los Angeles enters the game as a 4-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, accompanied by a total of 235. The Lakers are listed as a -175 moneyline favorite, making the Knicks a +145 underdog.

Knicks vs. Lakers, 10:30 p.m. ET

Pick ATS: Knicks +4

New York has been up and down during this road trip and a win tonight would give the team a shot in the arm. The Knicks are 3-6-1 against the spread as a road underdog this season, but I think they can take advantage of a Lakers team that is dealing with injuries/illnesses up and down the lineup.

Over/Under: Under 235

L.A. is 12-15 in O/U’s this season and I’d expect to be a more defensive-oriented matchup this evening. I’d expect the ceiling for both teams to be at 110 for tonight, so I’ll lean towards the under.