Celtics vs Clippers Props – Best Player Prop Bets February 5th
- The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Clippers matchup on Friday, February 5th
- Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are all available
- Marcus Smart (calf) is out for Boston; see available player props below
A weakened Boston Celtics face a near-full-strength Los Angeles Clippers on February 5th. The Clips are unsurprisingly six-point favorites for the Staples Center matchup on Friday with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard fully fit. Boston has Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum available, and Kemba Walker returns to the fold after rest, but they are without Marcus Smart (calf).
Patrick Beverley remains out for the Clippers, but they have no other injury concerns. Ty Lue’s team are currently neck-and-neck with the Lakers, tied at the two seed in the West behind the Utah Jazz. Boston is fourth in the East and already has considerable ground to make up on the Sixers and Bucks.
Celtics vs Clippers Player Props and Odds
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three Pointers Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawhi Leonard (LAC) | 26.5 (O -104 | U -118) | 5.5 (O +128 | U -104) | 4.5 (O -124 | U +102) | 2.5 (O +154 | U -200) |
| Paul George (LAC) | 23.5 (O -106 | U -116) | 6.5 (O +118 | U -144) | 4.5 (O -105 | U -115) | 3.5 (O +116 | U -148) |
| Serge Ibaka (LAC) | 11.5 (O -102 | U -118) | 6.5 (O +102 | U -124) | N/A | 1.5 (O +152 | U -196) |
| Nicolas Batum (LAC) | 8.5 (O +104 | U -128) | 4.5 (O +108 | U -130) | 2.5 (O +114 | U -140) | 1.5 (O -164 | U +128) |
| Jaylen Brown (BOS) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Jayson Tatum (BOS) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Kemba Walker (BOS) | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Odds taken on Feb 5th from FanDuel.
Batum Keeps It Moving
Nicolas Batum’s performances have been one of the surprises of the season. He was effectively discarded by Charlotte, but the 32-year-old has been a key piece for the Clips this season, starting 22 of their 23 games. Batum fits exactly what all good teams need. He’s shooting lights out from three, he can defend multiples positions and he makes good decisions in possession.
With no pure point guard orchestrating the offense, it’s playmaking by committee for the Clips. Batum isn’t exactly bringing it up the floor, but he has an important role to play. The former Hornet is looking after the ball and setting up opponents. His 0.91 assist to usage is good for 88th percentile in the NBA, and his 8.9% turnover rate is by far his best mark in that category since his third year in the league.
The Clippers are fifth in the NBA in turnover rate. Their offense is second-most efficient. They might only be middle of the pack in assists, but that’s a decent return for a team ranking near the bottom of the league in pace. At their best, the Clips move the ball. They make the extra pass. Batum is a big part of that.
Nicolas Batum on a $27M contract 👎
Nicolas Batum at $2.6M 👍
The forward does not become available at that price if Charlotte does not sign Gordon Hayward.
One of the better value signings from the offseason.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) January 29, 2021
Playing on the best three-point shooting team in the league means hitting the open man will be rewarded. Batum might only have had two assists across his last two games, but he’s got three or more in over half of his appearances this season. He’s a good bet to go over 2.5 on Friday.
- Pick: Nicolas Batum over 2.5 assists (+114)
PG Gets His Shots
Paul George has taken 19 or more shots in four of his last six games. He’s got up 44 field goal attempts over his last two outings and made 24 of them. It’s not just the quantity of looks which makes George’s points over a good bet here, though.
The six-time All-Star is among the most efficient players in the league. His 66.2% true scoring is by far the best of his career, led by just under 48% on threes. Only four players taking more than four three-point attempts per game are hitting them at a better rate.
George is 27th in shot attempts but 15th in scoring. He’s coming off a majestic performance against Cleveland a couple of nights ago – the former Pacer hit 13-of-20 from the field on his way to 36 points.
Reaching the over on 23.5 points is very attainable for George, even against a good Boston defense. Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are great wing defenders, but George has repeatedly flourished in tough matchups this season, started off by his 33 points against the Lakers on opening night. In just seven of his 20 appearances has George scored under 23.5.
Since missing the Atlanta and Miami games through health and safety protocols, George has scored 26 or more in three of his four games. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see George pass this points line before the end of the third.
- Pick: Paul George over 23.5 points (-106)
Sam Cox is a freelance writer and sports junkie, who has spent the past several years immersed in the online gaming industry. He has worked with 888sport, Oddschecker, and Colossus Bets to name a few. Based in the UK, Sam also runs Franchise Sports with his brother.
