The Boston Celtics (37-16) welcome the Los Angeles Clippers (37-17) to TD Garden as they try to lengthen their six-game home winning streak. The game starts at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday, February 13, 2020, and will air on TNT.
Los Angeles Clippers at Boston Celtics Betting Prediction
In the Clippers’ last matchup, they were 2-point favorites and lost to the Philadelphia 76ers, 110-103. The game’s combined points (213) finished under the projected point total of 224.5. Philadelphia’s rebounding was their largest strength. The 76ers had more offensive rebounds (11 vs. five), defensive rebounds (39 vs. 37) and total rebounds (50 vs. 42). Kawhi Leonard was the game’s leading scorer with 30 points on 12-for-23 shooting.
The Celtics lost to the Houston Rockets in their last contest, 116-105. They were unable to cover as 2-point underdogs. The total points for the game (221) finished under the projected point total of 232. Houston was successful at getting and making free throws. The Rockets made 37 of their 42 free throws (88.1 percent), while the Celtics were 20-25 (80.0 percent). With 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting, Gordon Hayward led Boston in scoring.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. Patrick Beverley had 14 points, 16 rebounds and seven assists in the first game, in which the Clippers defeated the Celtics 107-104 but were not able to cover as 7.5-point favorites. The game finished with a total of 211 points, which was 7.5 points below the projected point total of 218.5 points. Los Angeles did an excellent job of making free throws (12-16; 75.0 percent). Boston, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (13.4 vs. 18.7).
Los Angeles comes into the contest with records of 37-17 straight up (SU) and 28-25-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas tends to set the total high when the Clippers are playing, as 30 of their 54 games have ended under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Boston owns records of 37-16 SU and 31-21-1 ATS. Games featuring the Celtics also have finished under the total 52.8 percent of the time.
Los Angeles may struggle to create turnovers. Boston ranks ninth in the league at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 13.0 percent), while Los Angeles forces the 19th-most turnovers (13.4 percent). Additionally, the Clippers rank fourth in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.226), while the Celtics rank 21st in opponents’ FTA rate (0.211).
Los Angeles Clippers at Boston Celtics Odds Pick
Free NBA Tip: ATS Winner – Celtics, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
On the road, Los Angeles is 13-14 ATS with 16 unders and 11 overs.
At home, Boston is 16-11 ATS with 14 overs, 12 unders and 1 push.
Each team is strong when holding the opposition to less than 100 points, as Boston is 12-2 and Los Angeles is 14-0.
In games where they score above 100 points, the Celtics are 36-10 and the Clippers are 35-12.
Boston ranks seventh in steals per game (8.3) while Los Angeles ranks 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.0).
The Celtics average 15.2 fast break points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Clippers rank 21st in fast break points allowed per game (14.0).
Los Angeles ranks 12th in blocks per game (5.1) while Boston ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (5.4).
The Celtics rank 15th in three pointers allowed per game (33.7) while the Clippers rank 26th (35.4).
Los Angeles ranks third in rebounds per game (48.0) while Boston ranks 13th (45.6).
The Clippers average 14.2 second chance points per game, which ranks sixth in the NBA. The Celtics rank 14th in second chance points allowed per game (12.6).
Boston averages 18.1 points off turnovers per game, which ranks seventh in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 13th in points off turnovers allowed per game (16.6).
The Celtics rank fourth in assists allowed per game (22.5) while the Clippers rank 10th (23.8).
Boston ranks third in points allowed in the paint per game (42.8) while Los Angeles ranks seventh (44.9).
In its last five outings, Los Angeles is 2-3 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Boston is 2-3 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders over its last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 5.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Celtics have scored an average of 113.6 points per game (1.0 above their season average) and allowed an average of 109.8 points per game (4.1 above their season average).