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The Los Angeles Clippers are set to take on the Brooklyn Nets on New Year's Day in an interesting interconference matchup. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our NBA odds series, which includes our Clippers-Nets prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
Here is how FanDuel has set the Clippers-Nets odds for this Saturday night New Year's Day NBA matchup.
NBA odds: Clippers-Nets Odds
Clippers: +12.5 (-114)
Nets: -12.5 (-106)
Over: 219 (-110)
Under: 219 (-110)
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Why the Clippers Could Cover the Spread
The Clippers are at a major disadvantage entering this contest. LA is obviously without their two stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. They are missing other rotation pieces such as Nicolas Batum, who is out with an ankle injury, and Ivica Zubac, who is out due to COVID-19. Not only are they missing some key personnel, this also marks the tail end of a back-to-back set for the Clips.
Nonetheless, the Clippers did get Reggie Jackson back on Friday as he cleared the health and safety protocols. He should be able to give the Clippers much-needed offense as they continue to tread waters without their two All-Star wings.
This could get out of hand real quick with Brooklyn's offensive firepower. Still, LA hangs its hat on the defensive end, having the fourth-best defense in the league so far this season. Nonetheless, the Clippers' defense has tapered off to the middle of the pack since PG13 went down with his elbow injury. That's something worth noting heading into this matchup against a Nets squad that got its reinforcements back.
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LA is now 18-18 on the season, with a 6-8 slate on the road.
Why the Nets Could Cover the Spread
Brooklyn certainly has a huge advantage here. As mentioned, the Nets got Kevin Durant back on Thursday after missing the past three games due to health and safety protocols. LaMarcus Aldridge also made his return to the lineup against the Sixers following a five-game absence due to COVID-19.
Durant looks like he hasn't skipped a beat, which should be bad news for the Clippers. Meanwhile, James Harden has been playing at an MVP-level since returning from health and safety protocols, averaging 36.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 11.7 assists over his last three outings.
The Nets are only without Kyrie Irving and Joe Harris for this one. With this game in Brooklyn, Irving obviously can't suit up due to New York's vaccine mandate. Meanwhile, Harris has been out since mid-November and is still recovering from ankle surgery.
Brooklyn's latest loss dropped them to 2nd in the East behind the Chicago Bulls. They are now 10-7 at home.
Final Clippers-Nets Prediction & Pick
Final Clippers-Nets Prediction & Pick: Nets -12.5 (-106)
