NBA Odds: Celtics vs. Clippers prediction, odds and pick

The Boston Celtics (21-6) visit the Los Angeles Clippers (15-13) on Monday at 10:40 pm ET. Boston has won three of its last four games and has the best record in the NBA. LA has lost two of last three games but is still in seventh place in Western Conference. This will be the first of two meetings between the teams this season.

The Celtics are the best team in basketball this season. They rank first in both scoring and offensive rating. Their defense is solid, ranking 13th in points allowed and 8th on the defensive rating, but they are vulnerable on rebounds. Al Horford is out for the game and Boston will be without big man Al Hereford. Luke Kornet will need to step up for LA as they need him to do more on rebounding. The 7'2″ center will likely see extended minutes.

The Clippers are last in scoring and 28th in offensive rating. They are fourth in points allowed and fifth in defensive rating, and they are also a strong rebounding team. Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are the team's top scorers. Norman Powell is injured. Boston is missing Al Horford. Clippers center Ivica Zubac is one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the league. Celtics are home underdogs. Celtics vs. the Clippers is a pick'n'picks.

The Celtics are missing Horford. The Clippers could dominate the glass.

Boston Celtics are betting against Los Angeles Clippers at -3.5.