The Los Angeles Lakers aim to end an eight-game road trip on a high note, but the Brooklyn Nets, and more specifically, Michael Porter Jr., stand in their way.
Brooklyn’s standout forward is the lone threat on this roster, averaging almost 26 points in his first season in NYC.
Advertisement
My Lakers vs. Nets predictions call for L.A. to put the clamps on MPJ and force the rest of Brooklyn’s role players to step up.
Here are my best NBA picks for Tuesday, February 3.
Lakers vs Nets prediction
Lakers vs Nets best bet: Michael Porter Jr. Under 24.5 Points (-110)
Michael Porter Jr. closed out January with a red-hot run, scoring 30 or more points in three of his past four appearances.
However, the versatile forward was forced to leave the team due to a death in the family, missing the past two games. Porter hasn’t played since facing the Nuggets on January 29, when he dropped 38 points on his former team.
Advertisement
Porter has battled inconsistency throughout his career, as showcased by an up-and-down January. He’s followed big offensive efforts with poor shooting displays in the next game, and he’ll quickly need to shift gears after being off the court for five days.
The Brooklyn Nets struggle to score without him in the lineup (missing 12.3 points per 100 possessions), so expect the Los Angeles Lakers defense to focus on frustrating MPJ.
The Lakers have some longer athletic forwards to throw at him on the perimeter and are among the best teams in the NBA at defending screens, which is a vital play set for Porter’s success. Los Angeles also does a solid job keeping foes from the offensive glass, where MPJ does damage, and limits second-chance looks at the hoop.
Porter’s projections vary, with some calling for 27 points. But most models top out below his scoring prop, with my number just flirting with 23 points. That should have the Under 24.5 priced around -150.
Advertisement
Lakers vs Nets same-game parlay
The Lakers can’t seem to get over the hump against good teams, so they need to win big against bums like Brooklyn.
Porter has been away for five days, and projections call for around 22 points tonight.
LeBron James has dished out six assists in each of his past two games and averages 6.6 dimes on the season.
Lakers vs Nets SGP
Michael Porter Jr. Under 24.5 points
LeBron James Over 5.5 assists
Our “from downtown” SGP: End of the Road
The last thing the Lakers want for this road trip finale is for this to turn into a track meet. Brooklyn plays one of the slower paces in the NBA, which will limit Luka Doncic’s output, with projections for him landing south of his scoring prop.
Advertisement
Lakers vs Nets SGP
Michael Porter Jr. Under 24.5 points
LeBron James Over 5.5 assists
Luka Doncic Under 32.5 points
Lakers vs Nets odds
Spread: Lakers -8.5 | Nets +8.5
Moneyline: Lakers -360 | Nets +280
Over/Under: Over 223 | Under 223
Lakers vs Nets betting trend to know
The Nets are 4-15 SU and 8-10-1 ATS versus Western Conference competition, including 2-6 SU and 3-5 ATS in non-conference home games this season. Find more NBA betting trends for Lakers vs. Nets.
How to watch Lakers vs Nets
Location
Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY
Date
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Tip-off
7:30 p.m. ET
TV
Spectrum SportsNet, YES
Lakers vs Nets latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
This article originally appeared on Covers.com, read the full article here