Los Angeles Clippers vs. Boston Celtics Prediction, NBA Odds

Edgar Chaput | Updated Dec 28, 2022

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The Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics play host to the surging Los Angeles Clippers Thursday night in the NBA.

L.A. Clippers
39-35
AT
December 29, 2022, 7:30 PM ET
TD Garden
Boston
51-23
Pointspread +6.5 -110
Moneyline +208
Over / Under o +228

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Betting Action

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Matchup NBA Odds
Pointspread -6.5 -110
Moneyline -251
Over / Under u +228

50%

Betting Action

50%

Matchup NBA Odds

Boston rides a three-game winning streak, thus boosting their lead in the East to two full games over Milwaukee. The Clippers are winners of seven of their last ten and feeling good about themselves. 

The pundits view the Celtics as -6 favourites on the NBA odds, whereas the over-under is established at 227.5. 

Clippers vs. Celtics NBA Betting Odds

We have fresh history to dive into when studying head-to-head meetings. Up until recently, the past six tête-à-têtes had seen the sides split results, 3-3. That changed earlier this month when Boston spent back-to-back evenings in L.A. to play the Lakers and Clippers. It was a welcomed return for Clipper superstar Kawhi Leonard, and the hosts trounced the visitors 113-93. 

That emphatic conquering provided wind for the Clippers’ sails. The team is 5-2 over the past seven contests. Not only has that helped them climb the Western Conference standings with a 21-15 win-loss record, but they’ve improved to 19-17 against the spread. Four of the last five spreads have been covered, including two consecutive road games. 

Judging by how the last few days have gone, it would appear as though Bostonian basketball operations have resumed their usual tempo. For a six-game stretch that went from Dec 10th to the 21st, the team hadn’t covered a single spread. Since Friday night’s beating of the Timberwolves, the course correction has improved their showing ATS to 20-14-1. 

Los Angeles Clippers

Road trips rarely start in more dramatic fashion than what Tyronn Lue’s Clippers experienced Monday night in Detroit. Trailing by 14 with only 3:32 remaining in the final frame and with the starters sent to the bench, a collection of backups said, “Hold our beers” and tied the game. The Clippers emerged victorious in overtime, 142-131.

A date with the Raptors awaited next. Toronto had been far superior when playing at home, but L.A. would not be deterred. Apart from a mild run by the hosts in the fourth to make it interesting, the Clippers looked like the superior outfit for much of the night. Better still, Kawhi Leonard, back in the city he helped win a championship, wasn’t required to take on a heavy load (15 points off 5-12 shooting). It was another former Raptor, Norman Powell, who caused havoc with 22 off the bench to help Paul George, Reggie Jackson, and Ivica Zubac. All punched above the 20-point mark. Make the final 124-113. 

L.A. has the 4th ranked defence against three-point shooting, something Boston does quite well (6th). 

Boston Celtics

The scheduling gods have looked favourably on the Celtics. Fans knew the Christmas matchup against the rival Bucks would not only be a litmus test but emotionally charged as well. After thwarting their closest rivals, the team got to stay at home and greet the lowly Houston Rockets on Tuesday. 

As can happen in such circumstances, there was just a whiff of a letdown for a little over two quarters. Houston shooting guard Jalen Green was in quite a mood, hitting 11-22 for 28 points on the night, including some brilliant scores. Nevertheless, sheer talent and will helped the Celtics do away with their opponents 126-104. It was a memorable outing for the squad’s two brimming stars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who went for 38 and 39 points respectively. They alone accounted for 61.1% of Boston’s entire offence. There isn’t much the opposition can do in those instances. 

NBA Prediction: Who Will Win Clippers vs. Celtics?

NBA Predictions
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  • LAC
  • +6.5 -6.5
  • BOS
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