Clippers vs Nets Picks and Odds
- The Los Angeles Clippers and Brooklyn Nets matchup on Tuesday, February 2nd
- James Harden is due to return for the Nets; Patrick Beverley is out for the Clippers with a knee issue
- See the odds and analysis on the game below
The Brooklyn Nets are 1.5-point favorites over the Clippers for their February 2nd matchup at Barclays Center.
James Harden’s expected return has a role to play in the Nets’ status as favorites – Harden sat out the January 31st loss to the Wizards. The Clippers are without Patrick Beverley (knee).
Nicolas Batum was questionable on the injury report. The former Hornet is third on the team in minutes this season.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets Odds
| Team | Spread | Moneyline | Total Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Clippers | +1.5 (-110) | +102 | Over 243.5 (-110) |
| Brooklyn Nets | -1.5 (-110) | -120 | Under 243.5 (-110) |
Odds taken on Feb 2nd from FanDuel
No Nets Defense
The Nets own the worst defensive rating in the NBA since the James Harden trade. All the fears about this roster have, so far, been proven accurate. They face the second-best offense in the NBA, a team which is shooting over 41% from three on the season. Though playing much slower than under Doc Rivers, the Clippers are assisting and moving the ball much better. Even beyond the star-level scoring of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they are getting strong contributions across the roster.
Brooklyn has conceded 120 or more in seven of their last eight games (including the overtime loss to Cleveland). Opponents are scoring almost 54 points in the paint per game over that span, which ranks 29th in the NBA. In this eight-game stretch, the Nets are in the bottom ten in the league in opponent three-point attempts per game, opponent field goal percentage and forcing turnovers. It has not been pretty on the defensive end.
Since the Harden trade
Rockets:
– 6-3 record
– Best defensive rating in NBANets:
– 6-3 record
– Worst defensive rating in NBA pic.twitter.com/wnRPvpC5PF— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 1, 2021
Some of the per game stats are inflated by the Nets’ pace. They rank fifth in pace on the season, a stark contrast to the slow-playing Clippers. The Clips might not get into an end-to-end game like others have done, but their half-court offense is efficient enough to score easily and often on this Nets team.
Good Matchups for Clips
Stopping this Nets offense is simply not possible. Kyrie Irving, James Harden and Kevin Durant are going to put up points. If any team is equipped to slow them down, though, it’s these Clippers. Leonard has the length to make life difficult even for Durant. Nicolas Batum has been playing at a high level on the defensive end, and Paul George is potentially a good matchup for Harden.
The Ty Lue era started poorly on the defensive end. Some opponent shooting regression and good defensive effort has seen the Clips climb to 11th in defensive rating. Lue has the option to run switchable line-ups with George, Leonard, Batum, Serge Ibaka and Marcus Morris. It’s not a group which has been used often this season, but it could be a good way to make life difficult for this Nets offense, particularly without Patrick Beverley to harass Kyrie Irving.
📊 28 PTS / 53.3 FG% / 3 AST
Another #NBAAllStar outing for @kawhileonard. pic.twitter.com/vEmAfrN0f4
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) February 1, 2021
The Clippers’ greatest weakness remains their playmaking. George and Leonard have improved in that regard, though, and have done so sufficiently for it not to be a major concern against a defense like this Nets group.
Clips to Cover
LA have the offense to take advantage of Brooklyn’s poor defense. They have the defense to give keep Harden, Irving and Durant under sufficient control. Where the Wizards ended up in a shootout, which resulted in both teams scoring in the 140s, the Clippers can afford to slow the game down, get their buckets and make the Nets’ big three work for their points on the other end.
Brooklyn might have more star power. Their offense is a more daunting prospect, but they face a true two-way team on Tuesday.
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 out an offense-only game with Washington is one thing. These are the nights when the Nets need to prove they can defend at a high level if we are to take them seriously as title contenders. There’s been nothing to suggest they can halt this Clippers offense.
It’s possible one or two of the Nets’ stars explode, that’s always a risk with a team as stacked as Brooklyn. The Clippers are the better team right now, though. They’re the pick to cover.
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers +1.5 (-110)
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.
