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In the second national TV game to tip-off at 10:00 p.m. ET on Friday, the Boston Celtics will play the Los Angeles Clippers. This the Celtics’ third game on their five-game west coast road trip. The game will air on ESPN.
The Celtics (11-8) are coming off of a 116-111 loss to the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday night. In that game, Boston was without both Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart, therefore they had to lean on the Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum combo. Tatum led the team with 27 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds. Meanwhile, Brown recorded 21 points, four assists, and three rebounds. As a team, Boston had four players score 10 points or more, but they did not shoot the ball well from three-point range at 33 percent. The Celtics have lost three out of their last five games.
The Clippers (17-6) are coming off an impressive 121-99 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night. Los Angeles has now won four out of their last five games and are 8-2 in their last 10 games. Paul George, who is having a stellar regular season thus far, scored a game-high 36 points on an efficient 13-of-20 shooting from field and 8-of-9 from three-point range.
Kawhi Leonard also added 24 points (9-14 FG, 3-6 3pt), six rebounds, and three assists. The Clippers had six players score in double figures, including Lou Williams (15 points) and Ivica Zubac (10 points, 16 rebounds) off the bench.
What can we expect from these two teams on Friday night? And can Boston pick up their second win on their west coast trip? To answer those questions and more, here is our pick against the spread and a player prop you need to think about playing.
Celtics vs. Clippers, 10:00 p.m. ET, ESPN
Pick ATS: Celtics +6.5
The line for Friday night’s game is set at 6.5 points, with Los Angeles being favored at home. The Clippers have played well this season at the Staples Center with an overall record of 8-2 but only 5-5 against the spread. Los Angeles comes into the game relatively healthy as they are only missing Patrick Beverley. Without Beverley, head coach Tyronn Lue will once again turn to Reggie Jackson and Lou Williams to hold down the scoring for the point guard spot.
However, the Clippers’ best offensive players have been George and Leonard, who are averaging around 50 points per game combined. This season, Boston has a record of 6-6 on the road and are 5-7 against the spread. On Wednesday night, the Celtics were 1-point underdogs against the Kings as they were without both Walker and Smart. But with them likely getting Walker back for Friday night, they should be able to keep the game close.
Player Prop: TBD Celtics player props still not posted
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