The Los Angeles Clippers received a fortuitous scheduling advantage last night. The Nets were playing on the second night of a back-to-back and the fourth game of a six-game road trip, aware that they would have the following night off in Los Angeles. Consequently, Brooklyn failed to appear yesterday night. Characterising Los Angeles’s performance last night as having “played” would be a misapplication of the term, given their dominant 126-67 victory.
Although the Portland Blazers own a rest edge this evening, it is not substantial enough to warrant significant consideration. My predictions for the Clippers versus Blazers anticipate that Los Angeles will maintain its momentum when the game commences at 10 PM ET on Thursday, January 16.
Prediction for Clippers versus Trail Blazers
My optimal choice
Clippers -6.5 (-110 at Bet365)
My evaluation
Review the Los Angeles Clippers’ score from yesterday night once more and relish the amusement. Los Angeles held a 58-35 advantage at halftime. The Nets’ most prolific quarter was the first, with 21 points. The score was equal after 12 minutes. The latter three quarters exhibited a notable 105-46 disparity.
Disregard all aspects except for the fact that no starter from the Clippers participated for even 24 minutes. Amir Coffey played 31 minutes and 27 seconds off the bench, as such a farce can transform into an effective cardiovascular exercise.
Los Angeles was a significant 15.5-point favourite over Brooklyn, although Portland was a 3.5-point favourite versus Brooklyn two nights prior.
Attribute some of the 12-point disparity in the two spreads to the Nets competing on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. Let us designate that as two points.
Attribute part of that to Kawhi Leonard’s availability for up to 24 minutes, which he lacks tonight. We shall assign that 1.5 points, primarily due to the time limitation.
The 12-point deficit between the Clippers and the Portland Trail Blazers has been reduced to 8.5 points. The homecourt advantage should increase the spread by approximately 2 to 2.5 points, hence justifying tonight’s 6.5-point favour for Los Angeles. Assign any degree of validity you like to this consecutive position, and it is possible that -6.5 is excessively substantial.
What is the rationale for supporting it then?
Portland requires more frequent dismissal. The Blazers were defeated by 18 points against the Nets, despite being favoured by two baskets. That occurred on a night when Portland had a 45% shooting accuracy from three-point range. Do not anticipate Scoot Henderson to achieve an 8-of-10 performance from long-range in the near future.
The spread for tonight is appropriately established, however skepticism of the Blazers should be more prevalent.
