Celtics vs Clippers Odds & Picks
- The Clippers are a 3-point home favorite over the Celtics on Wednesday (Dec. 8th) at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA
- LA is just 3-8 in their last 11 games against the spread
- Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction
The Boston Celtics’ five-game road trip continues on Wednesday (Dec. 8th) with their second game at the Staples Center in as many nights. Boston took on the Lakers on Tuesday, and will face the Clippers in the second half of a back-to-back.
The Celtics entered play on Tuesday winners of three of their past four, while the Clippers have dropped four of six.
Celtics vs Clippers Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boston Celtics | +135 | +3 (-110) | O 215 (-110) |
| LA Clippers | -155 | -3 (-110) | U 215 (-110) |
Odds as of Dec. 7th at DraftKings.
Despite their recent struggles, LA opened up as 3-point home favorite, in a contest that features a total of 215. Tip-off is set for 10:30 pm ET, as the Clippers will be looking to snap a three-game home losing streak.
LA Clippers Betting Analysis
Last time out, Los Angeles travelled to Portland where they escaped with a 102-90 victory versus the shorthanded Trail Blazers. Portland was missing its top-two scorers Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, but the Clippers still had trouble pulling away.
📊 21 PTS / 8 REB / 4 STL @Yg_Trece was a force on both ends of the floor. pic.twitter.com/SXERjBFwTx
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 7, 2021
Paul George led the team with 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals, helping LA improve to 3-1 against the Trail Blazers this season. Marcus Morris Jr. splashed 17 points, while Luke Kennard added 15 in his first start of the season.
The Clippers shot 44.6% from the field, and 30.6% from three, despite a combined 2-for-13 effort from long range from George and Reggie Jackson.
Coming home with a W.
📼 @honey highlights vs. Portland. pic.twitter.com/R09n2IjYyH
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) December 7, 2021
LA was out-rebounded by 8, and scored 10 fewer points in the paint, but clamped down on Portland’s shooters. They held the Trail Blazers to 22.7% from three, while forcing 18 turnovers. Defense has been the Clippers’ bread and butter this season, as they rank fourth in scoring defense, and eighth in opponent field goal percentage, while forcing the ninth most turnovers.
Offensively, they obviously still miss Kawhi Leonard. LA ranks 20th in both points per game and shooting percentage, and are a bottom-10 rebounding team.
Hi, Hello
Nicolas Batum is listed as QUESTIONABLE for the game against the Celtics. Keon, Kawhi, Jason, and Jay are OUT.
Have a nice day!
— Farbod Esnaashari (@Farbod_E) December 8, 2021
Help on the glass is on the way however, as Nicolas Batum is expected to return versus the Celtics after being stuck in the health and safety protocols since November 21st.
Boston Celtics Betting Analysis
The last time we saw Boston prior to Tuesday was also against Portland. The Celtics mopped the floor with the Trail Blazers 145-117 in Portland, led by Jayson Tatum. Boston’s leading scorer splashed 31 points, while grabbing 10 boards, and dishing out 4 assists.
This angle of this move from Jayson Tatum 🤩 pic.twitter.com/nBGYjUNUO2
— Celtics Junkies (@Celtics_Junkies) December 5, 2021
Dennis Schroder also poured in 31, as six Celtics reached double figures. Boston shot 56.3% from the field, and 56.8% from three, while finishing with four more assists and 14 more rebounds.
Prolific shooting has not been common in Celtics’ games this season, as they rank just 21st in shooting percentage, and 20th from beyond the arc.
Like the Clippers, they’re a stronger defensive team, and can cause lots of problems for enemy shooters. They held Portland to 27.6% from three, while blocking seven shots. Boston is 15th in scoring defense this season, but only five teams have yielded a lower shooting percentage to their opposition.
Jaylen Brown will not play tonight, per Ime Udoka. He had “a good workout today” though, but the Celtics still want to be cautious, Udoka said.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) December 7, 2021
On the injury front, Jaylen Brown sat out his third straight game against the Lakers and his status for Wednesday is unknown. Brown was questionable up until a few hours before tip-off in LA, but was ultimately ruled out due to his injured hamstring.
Celtics vs Clippers Pick
Even without Brown, the Celtics are the side to back in this spot. They have a significantly higher offensive rating than LA, and can match them defensively.
Celebrate each other’s successes ☘️💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/eABdLdg18b
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) December 6, 2021
If you’re worried about Boston playing on consecutive nights don’t be. The Celtics are 3-1-1 against the spread on the second night of a back-to-back this season, and have been road warriors all season. Prior to Tuesday’s game versus the Lakers, Boston was 9-4-1 against the spread away from home.
LA meanwhile, has covered in just three of its past 11 games, and is 6-10 against the spread at home this season.
Pick: Boston Celtics +3 (-110)
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As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
