Knicks vs Clippers Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

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16 December 2023

Knicks vs Clippers Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

With Los Angeles finding its groove and New York now on the second leg of a back-to-back, Douglas Farmer is siding with the home team tonight. Read more as we break down this latest matchup in our Knicks vs. Clippers betting picks.

The New York Knicks shined last night in Phoenix, led by Jalen Brunson’s 50 points to beat the Suns by 17.

However, they do not get to bask in that delight for long, facing the surging Los Angeles Clippers in the latest NBA odds. On a six-game winning streak, the Clippers’ momentum may be just too much for the Knicks on the second night of a back-to-back.

Now that Los Angeles has apparently figured out how to play with James Harden involved, some simple trust in the Clippers may be needed in our free NBA picks and predictions as we preview the Knicks vs the Clippers on December 16, with tip set for 10:30 ET.

Knicks vs Clippers odds

Knicks vs Clippers predictions

The Los Angeles Clippers latest six-game winning streak has moved them from 11th in the Western Conference to 7th, just half a game behind the Kings for fifth. Los Angeles is exceeding expectations with these wins, going 4-2 against the spread and covering by an average of 3.7 points across these six games, even including the two ATS losses.

More than that, the Clippers are controlling these games from start to finish. It is one thing to win six straight when favored in all six. It is another thing to win the last five first halves by an average of 10.6 points.

Something shifted during halftime of Los Angeles’s Dec. 2 win against the Warriors. The Clippers trailed by 19 points at that break, and then they proceeded to win the second half by 20 points, thus starting this winning streak.

Since then, Los Angeles has not reached a halftime or full-game end without a lead, including winning the last two first halves by 13 and 22 points.

That may set up a thought of taking the Clippers to cover a first-half spread of either -3 or -3.5, depending on your sportsbook. But there is a path forward without much juice that would protect against a slimmer first half.

Let’s remember that the New York Knicks played last night. Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson each logged 35 minutes, while RJ Barrett, Josh Hart, and Isaiah Hartenstein all played at least 28 minutes.

They may have enough legs early on tonight, but they will wear eventually. This is just a reality for New York tonight, one they can thank the NBA’s scheduling matrix for, and one that made last night’s win all that much more important.

It is possible to trust those legs to wear eventually while still avoiding any worries of a taut first half or a garbage-time cover ruining a Clippers bet. With a first half and full-time double result, we're betting on Los Angeles to be on top at both whistles, just as it has been in the last five games of this six-game winning streak.

My best bet: Clippers first half/full-time double result (-120 at DraftKings)

Knicks vs Clippers same-game parlay

Clippers moneyline
Clippers first half moneyline
James Harden Over 17.5 points

Jalen Brunson Over 25.5 points

The Clippers lost their first five games with James Harden on the court, but things have since taken a turn for the better.

Across this six-game winning streak, Harden is averaging 19.3 points with 9.5 assists. During this stretch, Harden has scored at least 20 points in four games, and against a weary Knicks team, he should be able to match that once again.

Meanwhile, Brunson is a pillar of consistency. Last night’s 50-point outburst and 9-for-9 shooting from beyond the arc may have gotten headlines, but he hasn’t scored fewer than 21 points in any of his last seven games.

Without Mitchell Robinson, more of the offensive workload has fallen to Brunson. Tonight’s weary legs should show up more on defense, meaning the Knicks will chuck a bit on offense.

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Knicks vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis

The Knicks' win against the Suns last night delayed this line from reaching the market until early Saturday morning, and when it did, the Clippers were favored by 5.5, ticking up to -6 around brunchtime.

New York is 2-3 ATS on the second night of back-to-backs this season, while Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS as a two-bucket favorite this season.

Sportsbooks have come to understand back-to-backs. This total opened at 228.5, simply moving to 228.0 as the world woke up.

For what it is worth, the Knicks have hit the Under in three of their five back-to-backs this season, somewhat notable given they are otherwise 12-7 to the Over.

Knicks vs Clippers betting trend to know

The Under has cashed in four of the Clippers’ last six games, as well as nine of their last 10 home games. Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Clippers.

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