LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Picks and Predictions for Friday, October 23, 2026
There wasn't much drama in either Los Angeles team's season opener. The Clippers handled Sacramento on Wednesday, while the Lakers enjoyed a comfortable night against Golden State. Now the LA Clippers make the short trip to face the Los Angeles Lakers at crypto.com Arena on Friday. The game starts at 10:00 pm ET and will be available on NBA League Pass. The Clippers are 1-0 and lead the Pacific Division after their 121-96 victory over the Kings. The Lakers are also 1-0, sitting tied for first in the division following a 127-105 win over the Warriors. Take a look at our free NBA picks for more Friday games.
LA Clippers Have Plenty to Like About Their Opener
The Clippers looked comfortable with their new lineup against Sacramento. They kept the Kings playing from behind all evening, with their reserves providing a particularly nice boost. The second unit scored 53 points, allowing the starters some breathing room without sacrificing much offensively. What the Clippers did defensively was encouraging, too. Sacramento had trouble getting good looks, especially when Los Angeles pressured the ball and challenged shots near the basket. The Clippers also collected 49 rebounds and five blocks. They'll want that same effort against a Lakers frontcourt that looked excellent Wednesday.
Darius Garland wasted little time making an impact, scoring 30 points and giving the Clippers a dependable option with the ball. Brook Lopez was another bright spot, coming off the bench to score 17 points and collect a team-leading 11 rebounds. Kris Dunn handled the passing duties, recording seven assists, and also led the team with two blocks. Rookie Keaton Wagler chipped in 15 points, giving the Clippers another option off the bench. Keeping those players involved will be important Friday, particularly with the Lakers likely to challenge everything around the rim.
Injuries: Bradley Beal is questionable. Max Strus, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Brandon Ingram and Jordan Miller are out.
Los Angeles Lakers Look Comfortable With Their New Center
Golden State found out quickly that the Lakers have another way to hurt opponents. Whenever the Warriors paid too much attention to the ball, Walker Kessler was waiting around the rim. The Lakers kept finding him, and the game got away from Golden State before the fourth quarter. Los Angeles won 127-105, collected 43 rebounds and recorded five blocks. The Lakers were also able to rest their top scorer in the final period. Against the Clippers, they can expect more resistance inside, especially when Lopez is playing.
Luka Doncic led the Lakers with 28 points and seven assists in the opener. He didn't even need to play the fourth quarter. Kessler had an unusual debut, making all 12 of his shots on the way to 26 points. He also led the Lakers with nine rebounds and two blocks. Austin Reaves supplied another 23 points. Doncic has an inviting target in Kessler, and the Clippers will have to decide how much attention to give the big man without leaving shooters open.
Injuries: Adou Thiero, Collin Sexton and Cameron Carr are questionable.
Key To The Game
Both teams played well around the basket Wednesday. Kessler gives the Lakers a reliable finisher, while Lopez offers the Clippers a way to contest those looks. How each side handles the other's size could settle this matchup.
LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Game Pick
- LA Clippers +9.5
The Lakers were excellent against Golden State, but the Clippers also handled Sacramento without much trouble. Garland can keep the offense organized, and Lopez brings experience around the rim. The home team has a difficult combination in Doncic and Kessler, although a big lead isn't guaranteed. The Clippers have enough bench scoring to stay involved even if the Lakers take control early. Take LA Clippers to cover the 9.5-point spread.
LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers Over/Under Pick
- Under 229.5
Both Los Angeles teams had strong opening nights, but their opponents didn't score much. The Clippers held Sacramento to 96 points, while the Lakers gave up 105 against Golden State. Lopez and Kessler can challenge shots around the basket, making easy finishes harder to find. Both sides also have reasons to value each possession in a more competitive matchup. This game will finish under the 229.5-point total on Friday night.