Celtics vs Clippers: AI Prediction - NBA Picks for Todays Game
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Preview of Clippers vs Celtics AI Predictions
With Rithmm’s AI Picks model you are able to dive deep into just about any trend you can think of, below is just a snap shot of what I pulled for todays game.
Clippers Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers faced the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday evening in the first game of a back-to-back set, which concludes in this matchup. Entering Sunday, the Clippers held a 10-7 record, ranking third in the Pacific Division, 2.5 games behind the top-seeded Warriors. In back-to-back scenarios this season, LA has performed well, going 3-1 with a +1.7 scoring differential, averaging 109.5 points while allowing 107.8 points per game.
On the road, the Clippers were 3-3 before Sunday, with a -2.2 scoring margin, posting 110.5 points and conceding 112.7 points per game. Against Eastern Conference opponents, they were undefeated at 3-0, with a strong +8.3 scoring differential, averaging 106.3 points and holding opponents to 98 points per game.
Offensively, LA ranks 26th in the league, scoring an average of 108.6 points per game. They excel on the boards, ranking 5th with 46.2 rebounds per contest, and are 17th in assists, dishing out 25.2 per game. Defensively, the Clippers are among the best, ranking 4th and allowing just 106.9 points per game.
Norman Powell leads the team, averaging 23.3 points per game. James Harden contributes 20.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game, while Ivica Zubac (15.1 points, 12.5 rebounds) and Derrick Jones Jr. (10.3 points) provide additional scoring support. Other key rotation players include Amir Coffey (10.1 points), Kris Dunn, Kevin Porter Jr., Terance Mann, Nicolas Batum, Bones Hyland, and Kai Jones. The team ranks 16th in field goal percentage (45.9%), 19th in three-pointers made (12.5 per game), and 13th in three-point percentage (37.1%). Free throw shooting remains an area of concern, with the Clippers ranked 16th at 77.6%.
Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined due to a knee injury and is expected to miss several more weeks, though he is projected to return this season. Norman Powell (hamstring) was injured on November 18 against the Warriors and has missed the past three games. His status for this game remains uncertain, so monitor updates closely.
Celtics Preview
The Boston Celtics edged past the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Sunday afternoon, extending their win streak to five games. With the victory, the Celtics improved to 14-3 on the season, maintaining a 4.5-game lead over the Knicks atop the Atlantic Division. The game saw multiple momentum swings: Boston jumped to a nine-point lead in the first quarter, only to trail by three at the end of the period. After building a 12-point lead in the second quarter, they entered halftime up by just three. A dominant 14-2 run to start the second half gave Boston a 69-54 advantage, and although Minnesota cut the deficit to two points several times, the Celtics never relinquished their lead.
Boston shot 42.5% from the field, including 21-of-56 from beyond the arc, while overcoming a 49-40 rebounding disadvantage. Jaylen Brown led the way with 29 points in the win.
This season, Boston ranks 2nd in the league in scoring offense, averaging 120.7 points per game. They are 20th in rebounding (42.8 boards per game) and 14th in assists (25.6 per game). On the defensive end, the Celtics are 9th, allowing 110.8 points per game.
Key Players:
- Jaylen Brown: 25.6 points, 7.1 rebounds per game
- Jayson Tatum: 29.1 points, 8.2 rebounds per game
- Derrick White: 18.4 points, 4.3 assists per game
- Payton Pritchard: 14.9 points per game
- Jrue Holiday: 12.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.8 assists per game
- Al Horford: 10.2 points per game
Other notable contributors include Sam Hauser, Xavier Tillman Sr., Jaden Springer, Neemias Queta, Luke Kornet, and Baylor Scheierman.
Boston is 15th in field goal percentage (46%) but leads the league in three-pointers made per game (18.6), shooting 37.1% from deep (12th). They also excel at the free-throw line, ranking 4th with an 81.6% conversion rate.
Injury Update: Kristaps Porzingis (foot) is recovering from offseason surgery, with the team targeting a return in December.
How I Use Rithmm Models Clippers vs Celtics AI Prediction:
Recent Performance:
- Boston Celtics: The Celtics recently edged the Timberwolves 107-105, improving their record to 14-3. Jaylen Brown led the scoring effort with 29 points, including seven three-pointers. Boston’s offense is one of the best in the league, averaging 120.7 points per game, while their defense ranks ninth, allowing 110.8 points per contest.
- Los Angeles Clippers: The Clippers are coming off a commanding 125-99 win against the 76ers, bringing their record to 10-7. James Harden contributed 23 points and eight assists in the victory. Defensively, the Clippers have been exceptional, holding their last four opponents under 100 points and going 6-0 in games where they achieve that mark.
Head-to-Head Trends:
- In their most recent matchup, the Celtics dominated the Clippers with a 145-108 victory last season.
Betting Trends:
- Against the Spread (ATS): The Clippers have a strong ATS record this season, covering in 63.6% of games, while the Celtics have covered in 50% of their games.
- Over/Under: The over/under for this game is set at 221 points. The Celtics have hit the over in 14 of their games this season, while the Clippers have done so in 10 of theirs.
Injury Updates:
- Clippers: Norman Powell, averaging 23.3 points per game, has missed the last three games with a sore hamstring, and his availability remains uncertain.
- Celtics: Luke Kornet missed the last game due to a hamstring injury, while Al Horford, who played Sunday, may sit out as he typically does not participate in both games of back-to-back sets.
This matchup features two high-performing teams with strong momentum, promising a competitive contest. The Celtics’ high-powered offense will be tested by the Clippers’ stout defense, making for an exciting clash.
My of Clippers vs Celtics AI Prediction
The Clippers and Celtics are set to face off on Monday, with both teams playing the second leg of back-to-back games. Los Angeles displayed impressive efficiency in their Friday matchup against the Sacramento Kings, showing signs of defensive improvement. Heading into Monday’s game, the Clippers rank fifth in the league in three-point defense.
Turnovers have been a recurring issue for the Clippers this season, but they managed to limit mistakes against Sacramento, effectively putting that game out of reach early. If they can maintain clean ball handling against Boston, their strong perimeter defense could give them the edge needed to keep this matchup competitive and cover the spread. Back the Clippers to cover in this one.
Selection: Clippers +10
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