The Los Angeles Clippers (18-18) travel to Barclays Center to take on the Brooklyn Nets (23-10). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clippers vs. Nets odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
With Kawhi Leonard having yet to play this season and now Paul George having torn a ligament in his elbow, the Clippers’ season is in limbo. They’ve lost three of their last four games which includes a 16-point beatdown by the Nets Dec. 27.
With that in mind, neither team has done a great job of covering. The Clippers are just 16-20 ATS while the Nets are 15-19 ATS. The Clippers did not cover as 3.5-point underdogs the last time these two teams met.
As for the Nets, both Kevin Durant and James Harden are expected to play. Nearing full strength, Brooklyn has won seven of its last 10 games. The Nets are coming off an 8-point home loss to the Joel Embiid-led 76ers.
Clippers at Nets odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 1:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Clippers +600 (bet $100 to win $600) | Nets -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Clippers +12.5 (-112) | Nets -12.5 (-108)
- Over/Under (O/U): 218.5 (O: -115 | U: -107)
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Clippers at Nets key injuries
Clippers
- SG Paul George (elbow) out
- C Ivica Zubac (health and safety protocols) out
Nets
- G Joe Harris (ankle) out
-
G Kyrie Irving (Ineligible To Play) out
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Clippers at Nets odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Nets 112, Clippers 102
Money line
PASS on the money line.
The Clippers have played too well without George which makes the Nets at -1000 unplayable. A -1000 regular-season NBA favorite is never a good play. Similarly, the Clippers to win at +600 isn’t great odds without their star.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to the CLIPPERS +12.5 (-112).
While they’ll be without their best player, the Clippers still have one of the best defenses in the NBA. The Clippers rank fourth in defensive rating with the Nets sitting right after them at fifth.
The Clippers also don’t turn the ball over.
They rank in the bottom third of the league in turnover rate. Being down George is huge and I don’t expect them to win, but their defense should be able to hold this one within 13 points.
The Nets have only won by 13 or more once in the past 12 games. It’s a large spread, and with Clippers F Marcus Morris set to guard Kevin Durant, the Clippers should hold it close.
Over/Under
“LEAN” on the UNDER 218.5 (-107).
This is going to be a clash of two top-five defenses, so I’d suggest nothing else than to lay a bet on the Under. At the same time, both teams rank in the bottom half of the league in turnover rate, and the Clippers rank 16th in pace.
Durant and Harden will get points on the board, but Nets big LaMarcus Aldridge and PG Patty Mills have been drastically inconsistent with their production the past few weeks.
With the Clippers short-handed, I’ll side with a few points.
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