The San Antonio Spurs (4-9) and the Los Angeles Clippers (8-5) face off for the first time this season on Tuesday, 10:30 PM, at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.
The Spurs aim to recover from back-to-back setbacks against the Mavericks and the Lakers. Meanwhile, the Clippers will try to begin another winning streak after their eight-game undefeated got snapped at the Bulls’ hands over the weekend.
The Clippers head into Tuesday’s game as a 7.5-point favorite, having beaten the Spurs six over the last ten games. American sportsbook BetUS also expects a high-scoring contest as its sets the total at 220 points.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Lines
ATS: Spurs +7.5 points
Moneyline: Spurs +250, Clippers -300
O/U: 220 points
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Team News
In his latest article on Yahoo Sports, veteran NBA scribe Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports revealed the Spurs were in serious talks with the Lakers on a sign-and-trade deal that would have sent DeMar DeRozan to Los Angeles. DeRozan, who eventually signed with the Bulls on a three-year, $81 million contract, admitted that he thought his trade to the Lakers was pretty much a done deal. However, Los Angeles later abandoned the trade negotiation with the Spurs to go after Russell Westbrook. The Lakers eventually acquired the former MVP from Washington Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe has put up stellar numbers in the last three games, crediting his success to his teammates. After spending several years on multiple teams, Bledsoe returned to the team where he started his pro-career through a trade in the offseason. The former Kentucky Wildcat is averaging 18.7 points and 5.0 assists on 52.4% FG shooting.
“They just told me to just play my game, go out there and play my game. Don’t worry about the mistakes, that comes with it,” he said. “They welcomed me with open arms and so it’s been pretty fun through the struggles, just got to keep it going,” Bledsoe commented on his easy transition with the Clippers, per Mirjam Swanson of the Orange County Register.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injury Report
The Spurs: Jacob Poeltl – OUT (COVID-19), Zach Collins – OUT (Ankle), Jock Landale – OUT (COVID-19).
The Clippers: Marcus Morris – OUT (Knee), Kawhi Leonard – OUT (Knee), Terrence Mann – Questionable (Ankle), Jason Preston – OUT (Foot), Keon Johnson – OUT (Ankle).
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview
The Spurs dropped their last two assignments after going 2-1 prior to that. Looking for consistency, San Antonio head coach Gregg Popovich has tinkered with its lineup several times already but couldn’t get much success still. In a 106-114 loss to the Lakers, the Spurs saw a terrific all-around performance from Dejounte Murray, who finished with a triple-double (22 points, ten rebounds, ten assists). San Antonio also gathered solid contributions from Keldon Johnson (17 points), Devin Vessel (19), and Thaddeus Young (17). However, the team didn’t have the personnel to contain Lakers superstar big Anthony Davis, who recorded 34 points, 15 rebounds and six assists.
The Clippers’ seven-game winning streak came to a screeching halt as Los Angeles bowed out to the Bulls, 100-90. Paul George continued to pace his team in scoring with 27 points in 41 minutes, and Bledsoe added 21 markers. Los Angeles even took the lead in the 10-minute mark of the 4th quarter. However, the Clips had no answers against the Bulls duo of DeRozan and Lavine, who combined for 64 points.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
The Clippers had dominated the Spurs in their past two meetings. Even without Kawhi Leonard, the PG13-led Los Angeles has retained its identity as one of the top defensive teams in the league. The Clippers rank sixth in points allowed per game (108.5) and third in opponents’ field goal percentage (103.3). This trademark defense will be the main reason why the Spurs will have a hard time winning or even covering the spread against the home team. It will need another big night from Murray and another poor shooting display from the Clippers for an upset to take place. The total has gone OVER in 4 of LA Clippers’ last five games.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Betting Pick
Pick: Clippers cover the 7.5-point spread, OVER
For the latest and most comprehensive NBA and sports betting odds, visit BetUS.com.
