LA Clippers vs Boston Celtics Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 22/12/2023, 16:18  by Joseph King | Modified on 22/12/2023 at 17:54 in NBA Predictions

A heavyweight clash on Saturday’s afternoon tip-off sees the red-hot LA Clippers hosting the Eastern Conference leading Boston Celtics. The Clippers have really turned their season around after a rough start to life post James Harden trade. LA lost their first five consecutive games after acquiring the 2017/18 league MVP but would then go on to win 14 of their next 18. This stretch of form included a nine-game winning streak, which the Clippers just saw snapped by the Thunder in their latest outing. A third-quarter surge by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and OKC condemned the Clippers to a 134-115 defeat.  As things currently stand, LA is fifth in the West standings with a record of 17-11. This has them 2.5 games behind second-place OKC and 4.5 games behind the leading Timberwolves. Ty Lue’s team ranks sixth in adjusted net rating and is particularly impressive when it comes to their offensive efficiency where they rank fifth in effective FG%.

Boston heads to Tinseltown for the first of an LA doubleheader. After facing the Clippers on Saturday, the Celtics will remain in town to take on the Lakers for the third game of the NBA’s Christmas Day showcase. Despite not having star Jayson Tatum available for their most recent game against the Kings, the Celtics cruised to an easy 144-119 away victory. It was a hugely impressive performance and displays perfectly why this team is the current favorite to win the NBA championship. Boston saw an incredible five different players score 20 points or more, showing the depth that this team has. The victory was also the Celtics’ sixth in their last seven games and improved their road record to 7-6 on the year. The visitors’ 21-6 record gives them a slim half game lead over the Bucks for the top spot in the East.