Free NBA Pick: Celtics vs. Clippers NBA Odds
Looking for LA Clippers vs. Brooklyn Nets free NBA picks & NBA odds? NBA betting sees the Celtics taking on the Clippers on Friday, February 5th, 2021 at the Staples Center. Cappers Picks provides complimentary expert handicapping picks on all NBA basketball matchups so stay tuned for more FREE daily NBA hoops predictions like this Celtics Clippers Nets matchup.
2021 NBA Handicapping
(11-9) Boston Celtics vs. LA Clippers (17-6)
Date: Friday, February 5th
Time: 10:00 PM EST
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California
NBA Moneyline Odds: Celtics +178 | Clippers -200
NBA Betting Odds: Clippers -5
NBA Betting Total: 221
Friday, February 5th finds the LA Clippers hosting the Boston Celtics for the first time this season.
The Celtics hold the all-time record between the clubs with 89 wins in 132 meetings. Last season, the teams played twice with each club winning one contest.
Boston Celtics
It’s been a rough stretch for the Celtics who lost six of nine games and most recently three of four matches.
That three of those losses came versus elite squads like the 76ers and Lakers is understandable especially with the Celtics playing shorthanded.
But the losses to the Knicks, Spurs, and Kings are troubling. Granted, Boston was missing Jayson Tatum for five games. Since returning The Celtics are 2-3 with losses to the Spurs, Lakers, and Kings.
In the most recent loss to Sacramento, playmaking was an issue as the Celtics rested Kemba Walker because it was the second game of a back-to-back. The issue was Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard were also both out due to injury.
While Boston needs guards to help create plays not having Smart presents other issues. He has a psychological impact that seems to resonate throughout the squad. His grit, toughness, and absence on the defensive end are palpable.
In the loss to the Kings. Jayson Tatum (27 points, 10 assists) and Tristan Thompson (17 points, 10 rebounds) delivered double-doubles. Jaylen Brown (21) and Daniel Theis (11) were the other double-figure contributors.
A big issue was the Celtics bench scored just 28 points while Kings rookie Tyrese Haliburton scored 21 on his own (35 for Kings’ bench).
Jaylen Brown (knee) and Pritchard (knee) will be game-time decisions.
Romeo Langford (wrist) is expected to remain out until February 7th. Smart (calf) return date is projected to be February 14th.
LA Clippers
The Clippers finished their six-game road trip in Cleveland playing on the second night of a back-to-back set that began with a highly competitive match versus the Nets, albeit in a loss.
Against the Cavaliers, the team was tired but fought through to net an impressive 122-99 victory. Paul George led the way with 36 points including eight 3-pointers.
Kawhi Leonard registered 24 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Ivica Zubac delivered a 10 point, 16 rebound double-double plus two steals and three blocks.
Lou Williams (15) and Serge Ibaka (14) were the other double-figure contributors. The 3-ball was clicking for the Clippers who connected on 20 of 34 attempts or 58.8 percent.
Patrick Beverley (knee) is expected to be out until February 10th. Jay Scrubb (foot) has a return date of February 12th listed.
NBA Betting Trends:
- Clippers are 6-4 in the teams last 10 meetings.
- Clippers are 6-4 ATS in the last 10 meetings between these clubs
- The over/under is 6-3-1 in the last 10 contests between the clubs
Free Boston Celtics vs. LA Clippers NBA Prediction:
The first game back from a lengthy opposite coast road trip is always pegged for being tough to win. So while the Celtics are shorthanded the Clippers need to be focused.
4* Free NBA Betting Pick: Celtics +5
Many have the Lakers and Nets pegged to meet in the finals but this matchup in my humble opinion might be more likely (or the 76ers). Because the Celtics are missing Smart it won’t be a true test but nonetheless will offer a litmus test for Boston.
I think Boston keeps it close (unless Brown doesn’t play) but the Clippers get the win.
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