As the trading deadline approaches, the Los Angeles Clippers are trying to determine whether to unload players or push for the playoffs. Los Angeles is currently sitting as the final seed in the Western Conference playoff standings so it is looking at a critical next few weeks before the trading deadline.
The Clippers would love to pick up a big win this week but face a tough task against the Boston Celtics. Boston sits atop the Eastern Conference and has been one of the best teams in the NBA all year long even though prized free agent addition Gordon Hayward has been out nearly all season due to injury.
The Clippers have the luxury of the home court advantage but Boston is such a good team that it should be the road favorite. This will be an interesting game as Los Angeles has shown the ability to knock off some of the league’s strongest teams this year.
This war on the floor will go down Wednesday, January 24, 2018, at 10:30 p.m. ET at the Staples Center. The game will be televised live on ESPN.
We'll have NBA odds at BookMaker.eu available for this and every game on the NBA Wednesday schedule.
Odds Analysis
The Celtics are 34-13 straight up and 27-18-2 against the spread. Boston has done a great job on the road, covering in 14 of its 21 attempts. The Celtics have gone 19-17-2 against the spread as the favorite on the year.
The Clippers are 23-22 straight up and 25-20 against the spread. Los Angeles has covered in 13 of 23 attempts at home this season and will aim for more success. The Clippers have gone 10-12 against the spread as the underdog.
Trade Watch
The Portland Trail Blazers are reportedly interested in adding Clippers big man DeAndre Jordan, who has been the subject of trade rumors for the last several weeks. It is unknown whether Los Angeles will give him up, and it may depend on how the team plays over these next few games.
He is an important piece in this game as Jordan is one of the premier defenders in the NBA and will aim to clog up the paint against Boston. Jordan is averaging 11.8 points, 14.9 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game on the year.
Jordan doesn’t get a lot of offensive looks but is shooting a robust 66.1 percent from the floor as most of his attempts are near the hoop. The Celtics want to limit him in this one.
Player to Watch
Jayson Tatum — The Celtics’ rookie is having a strong season and has been a nice addition to the Boston team this season. Tatum is averaging 13.7 points and 5.5 rebounds a game this season.
He had a really strong December, particularly in the late half of the month, but hasn’t been putting up the same numbers so far in January. There will be ebbs and flows to any rookie’s season, but Tatum has quickly made himself into an essential piece.
While Kyrie Irving leads the way, Boston’s strength is in its depth, and Tatum is one of those players that is a nice complement. The Clippers must keep him in check in this one.
Free NBA ATS Picks
The Celtics are a very good team, but the Clippers have put together some impressive performances this season and are reasonably healthy for this matchup. Los Angeles is give games above .500 at home this season, which should give it confidence in the ability to pull off a key upset.
Boston is 16-5 on the road and will likely be favored, but this is a tough game. Take the Clippers to pull off the upset at home and pick up a game as they push for a playoff spot. Los Angeles lost Chris Paul this offseason but have stayed competitive around Jordan, Blake Griffin and Lou Williams.
The Clippers beat the Golden State Warriors a few weeks ago and are now looking for another impressive win. Take them to get it.
NBA Odds: Clippers 107, Celtics 105
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