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The Los Angeles Clippers handed the San Antonio Spurs a 33-point loss on Wednesday night in the first game of a back-to-back between the two teams. The Spurs will have another shot against the Clippers on Thursday as they continue their nine-game home stand. With that said, it’s time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Clippers-Spurs prediction and pick.
The Clippers have extended their winning streak to three after a win on Wednesday and are currently sitting in the third seed in the western conference with a record of 29-16. On the other hand, the Spurs have dropped to the eighth seed with a record of 22-19 after losing their third straight game.
Here’s how sportsbooks have set the opening Clippers-Spurs odds.
NBA Odds: Clippers-Spurs Odds
Los Angeles Clippers -6.5 (-110)
San Antonio Spurs +6.5 (-110)
Over 221.5 Points (-110)
Under 221.5 Points(-110)
Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
In the first game of the two-game set against the Spurs, the Clippers were led by their two stars in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, who combined for 42 points, seven assists, and 13 rebounds. In addition to George and Leonard, LA had four more players tack on double-digit points in the win against the Spurs.
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The issue for the Clippers hasn't been George or Leonard, but rather finding consistent production from their other starters and players off the bench. As of late, LA's players have been getting it done. If the Clippers can get consistent double-digit scoring from Marcus Morris, Ivica Zubac, Lou Williams, and Nicolas Batum, they are a tough team to beat considering the intensity they bring on the defense end of the floor as well.
To cover the spread Thursday night against the Spurs, LA will need to replicate its performance from Wednesday night against the Spurs, in particular on the defensive end where they were able to contain Dejounte Murray and DeMar DeRozan to under 40 percent from the field.
Why The Spurs Could Cover The Spread
The Spurs had a very poor offensive and defensive showing against the Clippers on Wednesday.
San Antonio had only four players score in double digits, with none of them scoring over 20 points. Spurs stars DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray together shot just 11-for-30 from the field, which is not close to good enough against the team with the second-best offense in the league.
Disregarding San Antonio's poor offensive showing, the team also gave up a total of 134 points to the Clippers. It's close to impossible to win games when giving up 134 points.
This is a tough matchup for the Spurs, but for them to cover the spread against the Clippers on Thursday, they will need some big offensive performances from both DeRozan and Murray in addition to the team collectively trying to slow down both George and Leonard.
Final Clippers-Spurs Prediction & Pick
The Clippers proved Wednesday night when they defeated the Spurs by 33 points that they are too much to handle offensively for the Spurs. Not only did LA see very solid performances from both stars in George and Leonard, but also from the supporting cast. The Clippers also brought the intensity on the defensive end of the floor, holding DeRozan and Murray to very poor shooting from the field and limiting the Spurs to just 101 points.
If LA can come out with the same energy and have a similar performance on Thursday, San Antonio will be in for a long night. Look for the Clippers to make it four in a row.
FINAL SCORE PREDICTION & PICK FOR CLIPPERS-SPURS: LAC 114, SAS 102 (LAC -6.5)
