San Antonio Spurs (16-16) vs LA Clippers (18-13)
Game Info: Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 7:00 pm (Frost Bank Center)
Betting Odds: San Antonio Spurs -3.5--- Over/Under: 217.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Clippers have been in fine form as they've won five of their last six games overall and they will be gunning for a fourth straight victory after sneaking past the depleted Pelicans in a 116-113 road win last night. Norman Powell led the team with 35 points on 13 of 27 shooting, James Harden added 27 points while Ivica Zubac chipped in with 20 points, 16 rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Clippers shot 47 percent from the field and 13 of 37 from the 3-point line as they struggled to contain the Pelicans early on and leaked 37 points in the first quarter to trail by 14 points, but they stayed within striking distance and closed the final 5:51 on a 14-7 run to escape with the narrow win in the end.
San Antonio Spurs
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs have been in a rut as they've lost seven of their last 12 games overall and they will be hoping to bounce back after coming up just short to the Timberwolves in a 112-110 loss on Sunday. Victor Wembenyama led the team with 34 points on 13 of 30 shooting, Harrison Barnes added 24 points while Devin Vassell chipped in with 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. As a team, the Spurs shot 43 percent from the field and 11 of 39 from the 3-point line as they worked hard to erase a 16-point deficit before they missed out on an opportunity to force overtime before Wembenyama missed the potential game-tying free throws at the end of the fourth quarter. The Spurs will take on the Nuggets (b2b set), Bulls, and Bucks after this game.
Why the San Antonio Spurs will win
- The Spurs have won each of their last eight games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Clippers have lost each of their six previous Tuesday night games at Frost Bank Center.
- The Spurs have covered the spread in seven of their last eight games when playing with a rest advantage.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in six of their last seven games against Southwest Division opponents following a win.
Total Points Facts
- Each of the Clippers' last four games at Frost Bank Center following a road win has gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of the last six games between the Clippers and Spurs at Frost Bank Center have gone UNDER the total points line.
LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction
The Clippers are still missing Terance Mann and Kawhi Leonard, while the Spurs are coming into this one with a full squad once again. The Clippers come into this meeting as the team clearly in better form, but they were far from convincing in their narrow win over the lowly Pelicans and are now playing this game on zero days rest. The Spurs have been below their best for a while now, but they are relatively healthy and they have the advantage of extra rest, so I think the Spurs can earn a much-needed win in this spot against a weary Clippers squad.
Peter’s Pick San Antonio -3.5
AUTHOR: Peter Tran
