Upcoming Match-ups

Clippers vs Knicks Picks and Odds

Quinn Allen

by Quinn Allen in NBA Basketball

Updated Jan 30, 2021 · 7:30 PM PST

Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers visit the New York Knicks on Sunday for an afternoon meeting. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire)
  • The Los Angeles Clippers will visit the New York Knicks on Sunday
  • LA has Kawhi Leonard and Paul George back in the lineup after they missed time due to the NBA’s health and safety protocols
  • Get our odds, preview, and best bet for this meeting below

The Los Angeles Clippers will continue their six-game road trip at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, January 31st when they take on the New York Knicks, tip-off 1 pm EST.

The Clips are coming off a convincing 26-point victory over the Orland Magic as Kawhi Leonard and Paul George returned from COVID-19 protocols. New York meanwhile, grabbed a solid team win over Cleveland on Friday, with Immanuel Quickley and RJ Barrett showing out for Tom Thibodeau’s squad.

LA has dominated the Knicks in recent memory, winning four straight games and coming out victorious in their lone meeting in 2019/20.

Clippers v Knicks Odds

Team Spread Moneyline Total
LA Clippers -8 (-105) -355 Over 212 (-110)
NY Knicks +8 (-114) +285 Under 212 (-110)

Odds taken Jan 30 at Fanduel

Clippers Ready to Roll With Stars Back

Los Angeles is proving to be one of the best teams in the Western Conference so far this season, with an NBA-best 15 wins alongside the Utah Jazz. They also won seven straight before a loss to the Hawks on Tuesday.

LA’s superstar duo missed just two games, in which the Clips went 1-1. Ty Lue’s team managed to take down a struggling Miami Heat squad in South Beach on Thursday thanks to Nicolas Batum’s team-high 18 points.

YouTube video

Without Kawhi and PG, it actually gave us a chance to see what LA’s role players are capable of. Reggie Jackson put together a couple of solid performances, averaging just over 15 points in his three starts. Second-year forward Terance Mann also offered some respectable scoring production in a couple of games in the starting lineup.

The Clippers really do need Lou Williams to break out of his cold streak though. The former Sixth Man of the Year is averaging just 9.4 points per game this season, which is far below his career average of 14.4. He’s proven to be a key piece of LA’s second unit for several years now and will need to improve in order for this team to make a deep run in the West, especially with the Lakers looking to repeat.

Leonard and George returned with authority on Friday in a lopsided victory over Orlando. They combined for 48 points through the first three quarters, with PG leading the way with 26 points and nine rebounds. Both players looked well-rested after five days off and will be looking to unleash their energy on a young but exciting Knicks team on Sunday.

Knicks Showing Promise

There’s just simply a different feel around MSG this season. Usually, the Knicks are a massive disappointment, despite always getting lottery picks in the draft. However, there is a sense of positivity around New York in 2020/21.

Julius Randle is making a legitimate case for an All-Star appearance, currently leading the team in points, rebounds, and assists. RJ Barrett is showing drastic improvements in his sophomore season while forming an efficient partnership with Randle.

Another player that is showing flashes of brilliance is rookie Immanuel Quickley. The Knicks acquired him from OKC just days after the 2020 Draft and he’s showing the potential early on to be their point guard of the future. The former Kentucky standout hasn’t started a game yet, but he’s been electric at moments off the bench.

YouTube video

Quickley erupted for a career-high 31 points last Sunday against the Blazers, then dropped another 25 in a big win over the Cavs on Friday night. He certainly lives up to his name, showing quickness off the dribble and the ability to drain shots from downtown.

Although New York is just 9-11, they look to be heading in the right direction with Randle, Barrett, and Quickley at the forefront. There’s also Obi Toppin, who could emerge as a vital piece down the road.

The Knicks have been impressive defensively, allowing the lowest number of points in the NBA this season. But on the other hand, Thibodeau’s squad is scoring just 101.6 points per contest, which is the worst total in the association.

Best Bet

New York will have their work cut out for them on Sunday, there’s no doubt about it. But, they’ve put together some really good showings against top teams. The Knicks have beat the Celtics, Jazz, and Bucks already this year and are 5-2 ATS in their last seven appearances. Go bold and bet on NY here.

Pick: New York Knicks ATS +8 (-114)

Author Image