Knicks vs. Clippers Prediction, Picks for Saturday, Dec. 16
Here's everything you need to know about Knicks vs. Clippers on Saturday, Dec. 16 — our expert prediction and betting picks for today.
The New York Knicks (14-10) head to the city of Angels to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (14-10) for their second matchup of the season. The Knicks won the last meeting 111-97 in James Harden’s debut as a Clipper on Nov. 6.
Can the Clippers extend their six-game winning streak and even up the season series or will the Knicks cool them down?
Let's get to our Knicks vs. Clippers prediction and pick.
Knicks vs. Clippers Prediction
Pick: Clippers Moneyline
Knicks Betting Outlook
The Knicks come into Los Angeles on the second night of a back-to-back after playing Phoenix. They will also be without leading rebounder Mitchell Robinson, who grabbed 15 rebounds in the previous matchup against the Clippers.
Julius Randle has been on a hot streak, averaging 29 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the past five games. He shot 43% from the field and 37.5% from 3 in the last game against the Clippers. His hot shooting streak should continue tonight in Los Angeles.
Jalen Brunson is coming off a career-high 50 points in his last game as well and in their past five road games the Knicks have played, the over has hit. Look for the Clippers to take advantage Robinson's absence in the paint and for the Knicks, the seventh-best 3-point shooting team in the league, to cash in from 3.
Clippers Betting Outlook
The Clippers are clicking on all cylinders and own the longest active winning streak in the league. They have won 11 of their past 14 games and are also 5-0 at home in December.
Harden has really settled in with his new team. With Paul George out, Harden hit season highs with 28 points, 15 assists and four blocked shots against the Golden State Warriors. The Clippers also covered the 5.5-point spread without their leading scorer.
Kawhi Leonard has played in every game this season (it looks like the 65-game minimum rule is working) and scored 18 points off 50% shooting in the previous matchup against the Knicks. During this six-game winning streak, Leonard is averaging 28 points and six rebounds, while shooting 60%.
Knicks vs. Clippers Picks, Odds
| Knicks Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+6 -112 | 228 -110o / -110u | +185 |
| Clippers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-6 -108 | 228 -110o / -110u | -225 |
During their winning streak, the Clippers have wins against the Kings (twice), Warriors, Mavericks and Nuggets, all quality opponents. The Knicks are 2-3 against the spread on the second night of a back-to-back, but the two wins came against lesser teams — Hornets and Raptors — and the three losses weren't particularly close.
George is listed as day-to-day with a hip injury, but I still expect Harden and Leonard to carry the Clippers to another win — with or without George.
