Two powerful squads collide when the Boston Celtics welcome in the Los Angeles Clippers in interconference action Thursday. These two teams met earlier this month, with the Clippers coming out on top, 113-93, on Dec. 12.
Paul George netted 26 points, and Kawhi Leonard had season-highs of 25 points and nine rebounds in that tilt. Los Angeles’ defense kept the Celtics under 100 points for the first time in the season. For Boston, which was on its second-longest road swing of the campaign, Jaylen Brown bucketed 21 points and Jayson Tatum 20.
The tip-off for this one is set for 7:30 p.m. at TD Garden. Prior to making our Clippers vs Celtics betting picks, let’s take a look at how things have gone in recent NBA matchups. Then, we’ll peek at some NBA team stats and consider the NBA odds for this contest.
Without further ado, let’s jump in.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers Game Info and Analysis
Matchup Info
- Date & Time: Dec 29, 7:30 pm ET
- Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
- Where to Watch: TNT, NBA.tv
Boston Celtics Performance Recap and Analysis
Boston (25-10) has won three in a row, including home triumphs over Minnesota, Milwaukee, and Houston. They downed the Rockets, 126-102, behind 77 combined points from Tatum and Brown. Interim coach Joe Mazzulla had to leave shortly before the game got underway with an eye problem.
Stathead says that the high-powered duo is the first Boston tandem to score at least 38 points in one game since Larry Bird (48) and Robert Parish (38) in 1985. Robert Williams III chipped in with a 15-rebound, 11-point double-double against Houston.
Key Injuries
Before making any Clippers vs Celtics betting picks, we’ll need to know which key players might be missing. Forward Danilo Gallinari is out with a knee injury. He plans to do his rehab in Boston to be around his team.
Betting Trends to Know
At home, the Celtics have recorded a 14-5 record. Only Cleveland has more home wins to this point in the go-round. In terms of NBA player stats, Tatum’s 31.1-point-per-game average ranks in the league’s top five.
Los Angeles Clippers Performance Recap and Analysis
The Clippers (21-15) have been hot as of late, too. They’ve come out on top in four of five outings, including road matchups with Detroit and Toronto.
George poured in 23 points against the Raptors on Tuesday, while Norman Powell added another 22.
Key Injuries
At this point, Los Angeles is a pretty healthy group. The team doesn’t have any players marked down on the injury report right now. That could bode really well against such a solid foe.
Betting Trends to Know
The Clippers have gone 10-8 on the road but have won seven of their last ten overall.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers Odds
The last thing we’ll need to check out before making Clippers vs Celtics betting picks are the lines.
The host Celtics are listed as 6-point favorites, which comes as little surprise with their place in the Eastern Conference standings. Boston is -114 to cover, while the Clippers are -106 to cover the spread.
On the money line, the Celtics are -240, while Los Angeles is a +198 underdog.
The total is set at 227.5 points, with the over at -110 and the under down at -110.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Picks
Moneyline
It’s going to be hard to stop them at home with how they’ve done this season.
Over
Both sides have guys who can score in droves, so expect both to put up some pretty good numbers
Spread
This one will remain close. Make sure to take the Clippers on the spread.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers Score Prediction
The firepower both teams have at the top makes this one of the more interesting pairings on the NBA schedule. The main question as it pertains to this one will be which tandem will be more on its game.
Along with the NBA picks above, the final score of this one will be 123-119.
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