Lakers vs. Spurs odds, line, spread: 2021 NBA picks, Oct. 26 predictions from model on 103-68 roll

The Los Angeles Lakers (1-2) and San Antonio Spurs (1-2) will face off in an NBA Western Conference matchup on Tuesday at the AT&T Center. Los Angeles beat the Memphis Grizzlies over the weekend after starting 2021 with an 0-2 record. The Spurs, on the other hand, have dropped two straight since blowing out the Orlando Magic in their season opener. The Lakers will be without LeBron James (ankle) in this matchup.

Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET. Caesars Sportsbook lists Los Angeles as a 2.5-point favorite in the latest Lakers vs. Spurs odds. The over-under for total points is set at 223. Before locking in any Spurs vs. Lakers picks, you'll want to see the NBA predictions from the model at SportsLine.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned almost $9,000 in profit on its top-rated NBA picks over the past three-plus seasons. The model finished up almost $600 on its top-rated picks last season and enters Week 2 of the 2021-22 NBA season on a stunning 103-68 roll on top-rated NBA picks against the spread. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Lakers vs. Spurs and just locked in its NBA picks today. You can head to SportsLine to see its picks. Here are several NBA betting lines for Spurs vs. Lakers:

Why the Lakers can cover

Last season, the Lakers were one of the NBA's premier defensive teams, but they're not stopping opposing teams at the same rate after overhauling their roster. Big-name signings like Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony are playing heavy minutes because of injuries to guards and wings alike. Both can be dynamic on offense but have contributed to the Lakers' bottom-10 scoring defense alongside an underwhelming center rotation.

Anthony Davis continues to put up superstar level numbers. Through three games he is averaging 25.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per game. The Lakers are hard to beat when he is in form, and significant contributions from Westbrook or Anthony could help them break away early in this matchup. The Lakers are 5-1 straight up in their previous six matchups against the Spurs. Los Angeles has won three of its last five pairings with San Antonio by double-digits.

Why the Spurs can cover

The Spurs are still beginning what could be a lengthy rebuilding process, but started the season on a high note. San Antonio blew out the Orlando Magic before falling short against the Denver Nuggets and Milwaukee Bucks. Both opponents will almost certainly be in the playoff hunt, and Spurs lost by at least six points in each matchup.

Dejounte Murray, Keldon Johnson, and Derrick White are powering an offense that's averaging 117 points per game at home. While the Magic's abysmal defense bolstered that average, the Lakers have a bottom-10 defensive rating through three games. San Antonio has been sturdy on defense, but it lacks the personnel to go toe to toe with a pair of superstars on paper.

How to make Spurs vs. Lakers picks

The model is leaning under on the total, projecting the teams to combine for 221 points. It also has generated a spread pick that hits in well over 60 percent of simulations. You can only see the pick at SportsLine.

So who wins Lakers vs. Spurs? And which side of the spread hits in well over 60 percent of simulations? Visit SportsLine now to find out which side of the spread to back, all from the model that has crushed its NBA picks, and find out.