NBA Betting Predictions: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Clippers
Thursday, 12/27/12, 10:30 PM EST, TV: TNT
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -9
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -8.5
Opening Total: 189
Current Total: 189
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Celtics Heat NBA Playoffs Game 4 Preview — The Boston Celtics are led by point guard Rajon Rondo on the offensive end

Boston has alternated wins and losses over its last four games, as it comes off a 93-76 win over the Brooklyn Nets as 2.5-point road underdogs on Christmas Day, while going UNDER the total for the first time in four contests. “It was a well-balanced game, “ stated Celtics forward Paul Pierce. “I’m happy with the start of the trip.” The Celtics had lost their previous five road games, while they’ve gone 1-4 ATS in their last five games away from home when playing a team with a winning record. Boston is 2-5 ATS in its last seven games overall, which is important to consider when making your NBA picks against the spread Thursday night.

The Celtics are 5-8 overall on the road, but 0-2 versus Western Conference opponents in that situation. Boston earned a 94-85 win over Los Angeles as 5.5-point road underdogs in the only meeting last year, while going UNDER the posted total of 185.5. Point guard Rajon Rondo finished with a double-double in scoring 12 points and 10 assists. He’s averaging 10.5 assists in his last four games in this series, while his 13.8 points per game versus the Clippers is his best mark versus any team.

Los Angeles is the hottest team in basketball in winning its last 14 games, which includes a dominating 112-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets Tuesday, while going OVER the total for the first time in five contests. “It’s about getting better and better,” stated Clippers sixth man Jamal Crawford. The Clippers are getting tremendous production out of their reserves this year, including 64 points last time out. Los Angeles is 6-1 ATS when playing on one days rest, with the UNDER going 5-1 in that situation.

The Clippers are 13-3 at the Staples Center this year, including a 4-1 mark versus Eastern Conference foes. Los Angeles will need point guard Chris Paul to break out of his shooting funk against Boston, as he’s hit just 3-of-21 shots in the last two meetings in this series, but still has managed to register 20 assists in that span.