NBA Saturday Special: Spurs At Clippers
Feb 18th, 2012 by PJ LaFerla
Two first-place teams in their respective divisions tip off as the San Antonio Spurs head to Lob City (see glossary) to take on the Los Angeles Clippers.
The Spurs have been brilliant versus the Clippers in recent history, beating them nine of the last ten straight up, covering the point spread in eight of those matchups.
The Oddsmakers have set the betting line to – 3.5-points (favoring the Clippers), with the over/under total listed at 190.5.
The Clippers will look to score early and often, relying on their offensive play, which ranks 6th in the league – averaging just fewer than 98 points per outing. However, they may have a tough time of it as the Spurs defense plays a tight style, allowing less than 94 points per game – good enough to rank in the top half of the league at number twelve – but on the road their points allowed jumps to 97.5 per game.
Interestingly enough, the Spurs actually have a higher field goal percentage, edging the Clippers 46.2% to 45.6%.
Who To Bet On?
The Spurs continue to be right in the thick of things year in and year out and this shorten-version of an NBA season is no different. Even though the Spurs are aging (actually they’re old) they find a way to get it done…especially against the Clippers. But, keep in mind, this isn’t the normal Clippers they are use to facing.
The Clippers have become an elite team in the League with superstar quality players in Chris Paul and Blake Griffin leading the way. They are fun and entertaining to watch and in their own building they love to put on the “Blake Show”.
With all things being considered, the Clippers offensive weapons (especially when playing at home) will be too much for the Spurs to handle. Expect the Clippers to buck the recent trends and success the Spurs have have against them, by getting a win and point spread cover.
Make your play on the Los Angeles Clippers to cover the point spread!
PJ Laferla is a practicing freelance writer, professional handicapper, and the founder of SportsInput.com. If you are interested in hiring PJ Laferla for freelance writing or for winning picks against the spread, please submit all inquires to PJ@sportsinput.com.