New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Clippers betting tips and predictions for Saturday’s NBA game in Madison Square Garden. New York is attempting to win a 2nd straight game as they host the Clippers who are coming off a tough loss in Milwaukee. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
New York Knicks
No Jalen Brunson didn’t hinder the Knicks’ chances in their last game as they beat Miami 106-104 at home. RJ Barrett stepped up with 30 points, while the all-star Julius Randle added 23 and 10 rebounds. It was a tough game, as it normally is against the Miami Heat. The Clippers play a similar style, so we could be in for another battle tonight at MSG. The Knicks have to continue winning, they are only 7th in the East standings and just a game away from the 6th seed which would guarantee an automatic playoff berth. Brunson is questionable with an illness once again, while center Mitchell Robinson remains out with his thumb injury.
Los Angeles Clippers
One the Clippers side of things only John Wall is out for this game with an abdominal injury. LA let a lead slip away late against the Bucks in their last game, as Giannis Antetokounmpo torched them for 54 points. Luckily for them the Knicks don’t have a player capable of such a huge game, so they’ll look to capitalize on that. LA has had the edge in head-to-head meetings winning 15 of the last 19, however they’ve covered the spread only once in the last 5 meetings. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George continue to play and be productive. Moving forward the Clippers are expected to make moves ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline, so it’ll be an interesting couple of days ahead for them.
With just 2 wins in 9 games vs East teams, I’m not sure I get why the Clippers are favorites here. Although the Knicks aren’t the best team at home this season, they’ve still gone 7-3 ATS in their last 10 vs Pacific Division opponents. They’ll lean on the home crowd once again here and if they can beat Miami, the Clippers won’t pose much of a threat here. Take the home team.
Knicks +1.5 Point Spread is available at -110 odds on bet365
New York Knicks vs Los Angeles Clippers Predictions & Odds
If we analyze the last 3 meetings between these teams we can see that not a lot of points have been scored. The O/U during that stretch of games is 1-2, while an average of just 209 points was scored. On the heels of the Knicks game against Miami in which we saw just 210 points, and the last 2 Clippers games in which only 211 points were scored in both, I think both teams could display their defenses at a high level in this one. Neither team likes to push the pace all that much, they rank 25th with an identical pace of 99.7 possessions per game this season. In terms of offensive efficiency the Clippers are only 22nd, that tells you all you need to know on how they win games. Expect a defensive battle here and not a lot of points. Back the under.
Under 223.5 Total Points is available at -110 odds on bet365
