LA Clippers vs New York Knicks Player Props, Picks & Predictions for Jan 7

• LAC has covered the spread in five of their last six against the Knicks
• New York is 0-4 ATS in their last four after a loss, and just 1-10 ATS in their last 11 overall
• See the top Clippers vs Knicks picks and player props to bet on Jan 7

A classic East-vs-West showdown highlights Wednesday’s NBA slate as the surging LA Clippers (13-22, 4-13 away, 15-20 ATS, 16-19 O/U) travel to face the ice-cold New York Knicks (23-13, 15-4 home, 19-18 ATS, 21-16 O/U) at Madison Square Garden (7:30 pm ET). The Clippers have inched up the Western Conference standings, going 7-3 in their last ten, while the Knicks have dropped four straight entering play on Wednesday.

Clippers star James Harden (25.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 8.0 APG), who missed Monday’s 103-102 win over Golden State, is probable with a shoulder injury, while Josh Hart (12.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 5.1 APG) remains out for the Knicks with an ankle injury.

This article will set out my top Clippers vs Knicks picks, predictions, and player props to target, plus the closing odds and betting splits for Jan. 7.

Jump to: PICKS || PLAYER PROPS || ODDS || SPLITS

Clippers vs Knicks Prediction & Picks

The betting trends paint a remarkably clear picture that cuts through the uncertainty surrounding James Harden’s injury status. The New York Knicks have struggled to reward bettors recently, particularly at Madison Square Garden. They’re a concerning 1-4 against the spread in their last five contests and have failed to cover in their last four home games following a loss (0-4 ATS). This pattern of underperformance in bounce-back situations represents a significant red flag for backing the home favorites.

Clippers vs Knicks ATS Pick: LA Clippers +4.5 (-108 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

The Knicks are 0-4 ATS in their last four games as home favorites of 3+ points, demonstrating their inability to live up to market expectations when expected to dominate at MSG. Conversely, the Clippers have dominated this head-to-head series from a betting perspective, posting an impressive 5-1 ATS record against New York over their last six meetings. This consistent outperformance suggests the market repeatedly underestimates LA’s ability to compete with the Knicks.

Even as road underdogs, the value lies with the Clippers. Getting 4.5 points with a team that has historically had New York’s number is compelling, regardless of whether Harden plays at full strength or sits out entirely. The Clippers are 7-3 ATS as road underdogs this season, showing they thrive when disrespected by oddsmakers.

LAC vs NYK Game-Total Pick: Under 224.0 (-115 at BetRivers)

For the game total, the trends point decisively toward a lower-scoring affair. The total sits as high as 224.0, and the Clippers have been one of the best under bets in the league this season (54.3% under percentage). The over has hit in just two of LA’s last six games and, more tellingly, in only one of their last four games as an underdog.

With New York looking to tighten defensively at home and the potential absence of a primary offensive engine in Harden, this projects as a grind-it-out battle rather than a high-scoring showcase.

Best LAC vs NYK Player Prop: Kawhi Leonard Under 29.5 Points (-122 at Caesars)

The total-points line for Kawhi Leonard (28.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 3.5 APG) feels inflated at 29.5. (It’s as low as 27.5 at DraftKings.) The oddsmakers at Caesars are pricing in a scenario where he must carry the entire offensive load, but Harden is now probable to play and the Knicks defense can throw multiple looks at him, including the lengthy Mikal Bridges.

In a game projected to go under the total, and against a team that will make him the singular focus of their defensive game plan if Harden is out, betting on a 30-point performance represents a tall order. Leonard has scored 30+ points in just 35% of his games this season, making the under attractive value.

The Pick: Kawhi Leonard Under 29.5 Points (-130)

Clippers vs Knicks Player Props

The star-laden nature of this matchup creates a robust prop betting marketplace with several intriguing angles across scoring, rebounding, and peripheral categories.

Leonard’s scoring line demonstrates clear market skepticism despite his recent surge. Opening at 29.5 points, the under now carries heavy juice at -140, suggesting professional money anticipates defensive attention from OG Anunoby limiting his offensive output. Conversely, Harden’s assist prop at 7.5 maintains steady over action at -142.

Karl-Anthony Towns’ rebounding line presents the most dramatic adjustment, with some books initially posting 10.5 before settling at the current 11.5 consensus. The under now commands -133 pricing.

LAC vs NYK Closing Odds & Line Movement

The betting lines continue to list the Knicks as solid home favorites. At the moment, all books have the line at NYK -4.5 with only slight variations in price. That represents a one-point shift towards the Clippers, though, who opened as 5.5-point road underdogs.

The total opened at 224.5 and has dropped by as many as two points at some sportsbooks. BetMGM currently lists the O/U at just 22.5 with -110 odds each way.

Odds commentary as of 4:00 pm ET, January 7. The lines in the table, above, will update automatically with the best-available price for each market if the NBA odds move before tip-off.

Clippers vs Knicks Public-Betting Splits

Analysis of NBA public betting splits reveals strong consensus on two markets, but a significant discrepancy in the moneyline suggests a difference in opinion between casual bettors and sharper money. The data indicates the public expects a high-scoring game, creating a classic “fade-the-public” scenario for the under prediction.

• ATS Splits: A commanding 62% of spread bets and an even more substantial 66% of the money are on the Clippers.
• Game-Total Splits: The public overwhelmingly anticipates a shootout, with a massive 77% of bets and 73% of the handle on the over. This stands in stark contrast to my prediction.
• Moneyline Splits: This presents the most intriguing dynamic. While a lopsided 75% of bets are on the Knicks to win outright, the money tells a different story. New York holds only a slim majority of the handle at 54%, while the Clippers have attracted 46% of the money from just 25% of the bets. This disparity indicates that larger wagers are being placed on LAC, suggesting professional money sees value in the Clippers pulling off the upset.

Clippers vs Knicks: H2H Team Stats

The statistics reveal a clash of contrasting styles. The Knicks leverage a high-powered offense and dominant rebounding to overwhelm opponents, especially at home. The Clippers, conversely, play a more methodical, slower-paced game, relying on elite shooting efficiency to stay competitive.

Sign Up for SBD’s Newsletter Now

Did you want the latest sports betting news, analysis, picks, betting trends, and relevant data straight to your inbox? If so, you’ll want to subscribe to SBD’s newsletter now!