New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Clippers NBA Forecast and Picks

New York Knicks (14-10 SU, 14-10 ATS) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (14-10 SU, 11-13 ATS)

When: Saturday, December 16th, 10:30 PM (ET)

Where: Crypto.com Arena, CA, Los Angeles

TV: BSSC

Point Spread: NY +5/LAC -5

Total: 229

Money Line: New York Knicks +193/-240

Notable Injuries

Knicks

• Mitchell Robinson (Out) Ankle

Clippers

• Mason Plumlee (Out) Knee
• Paul George (Questionable) Hip
• Moussa Diabate (Out) Hip

Recent Form

Heading into today’s game, the Knicks have an overall record of 14-10 and are 2-1 in their last three games. In non-conference games, the Knicks are 3-4 compared to an 11-6 record against Eastern Conference teams.

Heading into today’s matchup vs. the Knicks, the Clippers are aiming to add to their above .500 record of 14-10. Out of their 24 games, the Clippers have gone 13-8 against Western Conference teams and are 1-2 in non-conference play.

The Historicals

Over the last 5 head to head meetings, the Knicks have averaged 112 points per game compared to 106 for Los Angeles. This has led to an ATS record of 3-2 for New York. In these contests, they averaged a combined 218 points per game, leading to an over-under mark of 2-3.

Analysis

New York is fresh off a strong offensive showing, putting up 139 points versus the Suns. This output is higher than their season average of 114.2 points per game. Leading the team in scoring was Jalen Brunson with 50 points. Julius Randle also added 23 points for the Knicks.

So far, the Knicks’ defense is ranked 6th in the league at 110.5 points per contest.

In terms of two-point field goal attempts, the Knicks’ defense has allowed a shooting percentage of 55.2% while allowing 37.0% from downtown.

Los Angeles is fresh off a strong offensive showing, putting up 121 points versus the Warriors. This output is higher than their season average of 114.4 points per game. Los Angeles’ offense is currently one of the slower paced teams in the NBA, at 97.8 possessions per game. In terms of three-point shooting, they are 22nd in attempts and 9th in three-point shooting percentage.

At this time, the Clippers’ defense is positioned 4th in the NBA, permitting 109.5 points per game.

Los Angeles struggled on the boards in their last game vs. the Warriors, giving up 10. For the game, Golden State scored 113 points in the game.

Betting Trends

• Through their last three road contests, the Knicks offense has averaged 125 points per game while allowing an average of 124. New York posted an overall record of 1-2 while going 1-2 ATS.
• Across their last five home contests, Los Angeles has been good against the spread, posting a mark of 3-2. Their overall mark in these games was 4-1 while averaging 119 points per game.
• As the betting underdog, the Knicks have an ATS mark of just 5-5 in their last ten games. New York posted a straight-up mark of 3-7 in these matchups.
• Los Angeles has done well both straight up and vs the spread when favored to win the game, going 3-0 SU and 3-0 ATS in their last three games.

Joes Pick To Cover The Spread

The Knicks are coming off a big win vs. the Suns last night, winning by 17 against a Suns unit that had their big three. Yet, they are 5-point underdogs vs. a Clippers group that has won 6 straight. I actually give the Knicks a decent chance to win this one outright, but I am taking them to cover at +5.