Lakers vs. Clippers: The best player prop bets for May 6

A new chapter in “The Battle of L.A.” will be written tonight as the Lakers (37-28) and Clippers (44-22) clash at Staples Center at 10:00 p.m. ET.

The Clippers have won both games of their three-game series thus far, and are heavily favored again this evening as the Lakers will be without LeBron James and Dennis Schroder. James is being held out as a precautionary measure after experiencing soreness in his injured right ankle, while Shroder will miss 10-14 days due to the league’s health and safety protocols.

Their absence comes as a particularly dire time for the Lakers, as Frank Vogel’s squad has lost seven of its last 10 games and is just one game ahead of the Trail Blazers for the final guaranteed playoff spot in the Western Conference. Don’t remind LeBron, but if the Lakers continue to falter they could end up participating in the play-in tournament. It’s a scenario that would have been unthinkable seven months ago when the Lakers cruised to their 17th championship in franchise history.

We’ve examined tonight’s matchup closely and have selected the three best players props to wager on.

Paul George Over/Under 35.5 points, rebounds, and assists

There’s just something about facing the Lakers that seems to bring out the best in Paul George. The seven-time All-Star has averaged 23.4 points per game against L.A. over the course of his 11-year career, and erupted for 33 points, six rebounds, and six assists against the Lakers on Dec. 22.

George has been especially hot lately, scoring 30 points or more seven times since March. Count on another focused and explosive performance tonight as he takes it to the legendary franchise he rooted for as a kid.

Pick: Over 35.5 (-113)

Andre Drummond to record a double-double

We’ll be the first to admit that Andre Drummond’s career as a Laker got off to a rocky start. The "Big Penguin" scored four points or less in three of his first five games and routinely looked out of place on defense.

The good news for the Lakers – and for Drummond’s agent – is that the soon-to-be free agent appears to have settled in. The two-time All-Star is averaging 12.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game since April 17, and has recorded four double-doubles during that span. Drummond looked especially dominant against Dallas on April 22, contributing 14 points and 19 rebounds in just 30 minutes.

Expect him to get the best of former Laker Ivica Zubac tonight and to do just enough dirty work to make this prop land.

Pick: Yes (+140)

Marcus Morris Sr. Over/Under 14.5 points

One of the fun subplots of tonight’s game is the brotherly battle between Marcus and Markieff Morris. The twins began their pro careers together in Phoenix, but have found themselves on opposite sides of the Staples Center for the past two seasons.

Markieff is the defending champ, but Marcus is the superior player, and he’s been shining especially bright lately. The Clippers forward is averaging 19.1 points over his last 10 games, and went off for a cool 33 against Detroit on April 11.

Marcus had 22 points the last time he faced Markieff on April 4, and should be good for another 15 or more tonight.

Pick: Over 14.5 (-113)