Clippers vs. Celtics Prediction, Picks for Saturday, Jan. 27
Here's everything you need to know about Clippers vs. Celtics on Saturday, Jan. 27 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The Los Angeles Clippers will have revenge on their minds when they visit the Celtics on Saturday night. Boston's 145-108 victory in late December was the most lopsided loss for the Clippers this season.
Both teams enter this contest on a winning note, as the Celtics have won three straight games while the visitors have won four in a row.
However, it's how the Clippers have won their recent games that could signal even more fireworks in this regular season series finale.
In this preview, I'll share why the initial signs point to another high-scoring affair.
Let's get to our Clippers vs. Celtics prediction and pick.
Clippers vs. Celtics Prediction
Pick: Over 232.5
Clippers Betting Outlook
Los Angeles is absolutely rolling on offense. Per TeamRankings, it's currently fifth in efficiency, scoring 116.7 points per 100 possessions.
Another way we can assess their efficiency is by looking at their effective field goal percentage, which is adjusted to account for three-point field goals being worth more than two-pointers. Using this metric, the Clippers' 57.1% mark is even higher than that of the Celtics (56.9%), who lead the league in offensive efficiency.
Moreover, according to NBA.com, the Clippers have the highest offensive rating (128.0) of any team that played at least four games, dating back to Jan. 16.
One of the more unheralded stats for the Clippers is that they're actually the best shooting perimeter team (39.8% from beyond the arc) in the league.
However, unlike the Celtics, the Clippers rank 19th in 3-point attempts (33.1), while Boston sits atop the league with 42.7 per game.
Simply because Boston leads the league in points from 3-pointers (48.9 per game) doesn't necessarily mean it's the perimeter team.
Thus, it's scary to think that this Clippers' offense could be even more potent if they upped the ante on their 3-point attempts. Perhaps all they need is a bit of prodding to finally get this bear out of its cage.
Celtics Betting Outlook
Boston's offensive prowess certainly speaks for itself, as you will likely find this team near the top of most of the key metrics.
Adding Kristaps Porzingis further improved the Celtics offensively, giving them five starters who can all pose legitimate threats from behind the perimeter.
Porzingis averages 5.1 3-point attempts while shooting 35.9% from beyond the arc. The Latvian center replaced Robert Williams III, who was involved in the trade that helped land Jrue Holiday.
In Williams' six seasons in the league, he's still yet to attempt a 3-point shot.
Thus, it's no surprise that Boston can afford to be even more aggressive from behind the perimeter.
The Celtics are fully committed to this playing style, which we've seen over the past few years. My guess is that it was in response to a similar strategy widely popularized by the Golden State Warriors during their title runs.
As a result, bookmakers have been aggressive when setting the totals for Celtics' games, with an average of 230.8 points.
This total opened at 235.5, but surprisingly it's down to 232 at some sportsbooks.
Clippers vs. Celtics Picks, Odds
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
+7.5 -112 | 232.5 -110 / -110 | +230 |
| Celtics Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Over/Under | Moneyline |
-7.5 -112 | 232.5 -110 / -110 | -280 |
I suspect the line move on the total is due to the status of Porzingis (game-time decision), who sprained his left ankle in the third quarter of Boston's 143-110 victory over Miami on Thursday. However, when speaking to reporters after the game, Porzingis brushed off any notion of his injury being too problematic.
"Sprained ankle is not a big deal in general, so if the situation needed, I would have been able to play (in the fourth quarter) for sure," Porzingis said. "Just at that point of the game, it was smart to sit out. It's feeling all right. I think it's going to swell up a little bit, but we'll see how it is. … But as of right now, feeling pretty good and staying positive."
It's worth noting that Boston played without Porzingis in the earlier meeting and still scored 145 points. The Clippers were also without their best player, Kawhi Leonard.
This recent run by the Clippers should bode well for a high-scoring game.
According to our Action Labs database, the over is 10-4-1 (71.4%) when a visiting team has scored 125 or more points in four straight games. That trend is active here with the Clippers, who have looked formidable during this winning streak.
While it'll be interesting to see if this total goes even lower, I think it's well worth a look at the current number.
