Spurs vs Lakers Player Props to Bet & Expert Picks (Nov 5)

• The Lakers are 3-point home favorites over the Spurs tonight
• Victor Wembanyama is averaging 27 points, 14 rebounds and 5 blocks per game
• See my favorite Spurs vs Lakers player props to target, and my expert picks below

The marquee matchup on tonight’s NBA slate features the San Antonio Spurs (5-1, 2-1 away) visiting the LA Lakers (6-2, 2-2 home). Victor Wembanyama has ascended into must see TV anytime he takes the court, and with Luka Doncic on the other side, this is a game basketball fans won’t want to miss.

Online sportsbooks are siding with LA in the latest NBA odds, pegging them as slight home favorites. I disagree with that line of thinking as you’ll read, but first I’m going to hit on my favorite player props for this showcase contest.

Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 pm PT, 10:00 pm ET, from the crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles with ESPN providing the broadcast coverage.

Spurs vs Lakers Player Props to Target

De’Andre Ayton Under 13.5 Points (-118

Diving into the NBA player props market, where I want to fade Deandre Ayton coming off a big game. The Lakers center up 29 points and 10 boards in a victory over Portland on Monday, but life is about to get a whole lot more challenging with Wembanyama, the NBA DPOY odds favorite, guarding the hoop.

Ayton is at a severe disadvantage in his matchup against Wembanyama, giving up a ton of length and speed. He’s not going to be able to shoot over the Spurs star, and Wemby’s rebounding prowess will prevent Ayton from crashing the glass looking for easy put backs.

Perhaps the biggest reason to fade Ayton is his likelihood of getting into foul trouble guarding Wembanyama. The NBA MVP odds candidate is quicker and shiftier than guys a head shorter than him, and his ability to rise up and beat his man off the dribble is a magnet for getting to the charity stripe.

Victor Wembanyama Over 4.5 Steals + Blocks (-121)

Sticking with Wemby, who I’m also betting to exceed 4.5 steals and blocks. The French giant averages 5 blocks per outing, and has at least one steal in every 2025 contest. He’s cleared this line in four of his past five games, and given LA’s propensity for turnovers (16.8%), I love his chances of getting to at least 5 steals and blocks tonight.

Spurs vs Lakers Expert Picks

San Antonio Spurs +2.5 (-110)

The Lakers 6-2 start is impressive, but let’s pump the brakes on labelling them an NBA Championship odds threat. This team is still a minus defensively (19th in defensive rating), and could be without Austin Reaves tonight. He’s currently a game-time decision, after sitting out Monday with a groin injury.

With LeBron James still sitting, Reaves has ramped up his scoring this year averaging 31.1 points per game. That ranks fourth in the NBA, but still well behind Doncic. Luka is averaging north of 40 points per contest so far, which is more than Anthony Davis, Cooper Flagg and Klay Thompson combined for any Mavericks fans keeping track.

With the exception of one victory, the Lakers resume isn’t all that impressive. San Antonio is a major step up in competition, and I’ll be grabbing Wemby and co. +3 as my official Spurs vs Lakers expert pick.

Victor Wembanyama Stats

The Spurs are second in the NBA in Defensive Rating and fourth in Net Rating. They’re being undervalued thanks to a loss on Sunday in Phoenix, but that was a rare off night for Wembanyama. He enters play averaging 27 points and 14 boards per night, and can single handedly take over games.

San Antonio has injury issues of its own with De’Aaron Fox and Dylan Harper sitting, but Fox hasn’t played all season. Stephon Castle will continue to handle point guard duties, and he’s talented enough to start at the point for over half the teams in the league.

I have this game projected closer to a pick’em, so I’ll gladly take the points with San Antonio. As always make sure to shop for the best price. Underdog is offering +3 on the Spurs, while most other books are half a point to a full point lower.