The Los Angeles Clippers (23-23) will have their hands full against the NBA’s top shooting defense when they challenge the Boston Celtics (34-14) at Staples Center. The game starts at 10:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 24, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Prediction
The Celtics are trying to rebound after their 108-107 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers in their last matchup. Getting to the free throw line was one of Los Angeles’ largest advantages. They had 36 free throw attempts, while Boston had just 10. Kyrie Irving was the top scorer from either team with 33 points on 13-for-24 shooting.
The last time the Clippers played, they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves, 126-118. Minnesota was successful at getting to and converting from the charity stripe. The Timberwolves made 33 of their 39 free throws (84.6 percent), while the Clippers were just 15-22 (68.2 percent). Despite the loss, Los Angeles’ Blake Griffin notched his first triple-double of the year. He took over, registering 32 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists.
The aggressive Los Angeles offense could be getting to the foul line a lot in this showdown. The Clippers currently rank fifth in the NBA with a free throw attempt (FTA) rate of 0.225, while Boston ranks 15th in FTA rate allowed (0.194).
Boston comes into the game with records of 34-14 straight up (SU) and 27-18-2 against the spread (ATS). Celtics games have a slight tendency to finish under the O/U total (53.2 percent).
Meanwhile, Los Angeles owns records of 23-23 SU and 25-20-1 ATS. Of the Clippers’ 46 games, 26 have finished over the O/U total.
Both teams have had a player take their game to the next level over their last five games. Marcus Morris (13.0 points and 6.2 rebounds) has been great for the Celtics while Lou Williams (27.0 points, 5.8 assists and 3.4 steals) has contributed greatly to the Clippers.
After splitting two games last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Clippers won the most recent matchup 116-102. The Clippers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (21.1 vs. 15.2) and had a much better free throw rate (0.397 vs. 0.289).
Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Boston is 14-7 ATS on the road with 12 unders and 9 overs.
Los Angeles is 13-11 ATS at home with 14 overs, 9 unders and 1 push.
When allowing below 100 points, Los Angeles is 10-2 and Boston is 24-2.
The Clippers are 21-16 when they reach 100 points, while the Celtics are 24-6.
Los Angeles ranks third in points in the paint per game (49.0) while Boston ranks 29th (39.5).
The Celtics rank fourth in fast break points allowed per game (9.3) while the Clippers rank last (14.7).
Boston ranks fifth in steals allowed per game (7.0) while Los Angeles ranks 25th (8.4).
The Celtics rank second in assists allowed per game (19.9) while the Clippers rank 21st (23.6).
Los Angeles ranks 16th in points off turnovers per game (16.6) while Boston ranks 29th (14.4).
The Celtics rank 11th in rebounds per game (44.4) while the Clippers rank 22nd in rebounds allowed per game (44.2).
Boston averages 31.6 three pointers per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 16th in three pointers allowed per game (28.9).
The Celtics average 11.4 second chance points per game, which ranks 21st in the league. The Clippers rank 23rd in second chance points allowed per game (13.4).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Boston is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Los Angeles is 3-2 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over their last five games.
The Celtics have been outscored by an average of 2.0 points in their last five games. For the season, Boston has defeated opponents by an average of 4.4 points.
During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 115.8 points per game (8.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 112.4 points per game (4.9 above their season average).
