The Utah Jazz are currently the hottest team in the NBA, but the second-hottest will be on display this afternoon in today’s Clippers vs Knicks showdown at Madison Square Garden.
The Clippers will look to end January by winning their third straight game, which would be their 10th win in their last 11 games. The last few weeks could not have gone much better for the Clippers, who are well on their way to another excellent regular-season record. Today’s NBA odds have them as a big favorite for the win, and backing that up would keep them ahead of the rival Lakers in the Western Conference standings.
Meanwhile, the Knicks had a winning return to MSG on Friday, and they will edge closer to .500 with a win today. The Knicks are still a long way off from NBA contender status, but positive steps are being made thus far this season.
Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks Betting Odds and Information
- Matchup: Los Angeles Clippers (15-5, 7-3 away, 2nd in the Western Conference) vs New York Knicks (9-11, 4-4 home, 9th in the Eastern Conference)
- Date: Sunday, January 31, 2021
- Time: 1:00 pm ET/10 am PT
- Location: New York, New York (Madison Square Garden)
- TV: MSG Network
- Spread: Clippers -8 (-110), Knicks +8 (-110)
- Total: OVER 212 (-110), UNDER 212 (-110)
- Moneyline: Clippers -370, Knicks +295
Odds via Fanduel as of Sunday, January 31 (Updated at 6:40 am ET)
Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
Today’s game is the fourth of a six-game road trip for the Clippers. It has been a positive trip so far, with two wins in three games. It started with a loss to the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday, but they responded with wins over the Miami Heat and Orlando Magic.
Improved defensive efforts have aided the Clippers in their January run. In their previous nine games, the Clippers have allowed 100 or fewer points five times. The most points they have allowed in that stretch is the 108 that the Hawks scored on Tuesday.
Offensively, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are leading the way as expected. Leonard is averaging 25.8 ppg and 5.6 apg, while George is averaging 24.0 ppg and 5.4 apg.
New York Knicks Betting Preview
The Knicks are statistically the league’s best defensive team, and by some decent margins at that. On the other end, they certainly have some rough edges to smooth out on offense, as they are one of the league’s worst offensive team in the major categories. Friday’s win over the Cleveland Cavaliers continued their streak of scoring 100 points every other game (from most recent): 102, 94, 113, 94, 119, 91, 105.
However, there are some things that are trending positively for the Knicks offensively. Rookie guard Immanuel Quickley scored 25 points against the Cavaliers, which was his third 20+ point performance in his last eight games. R.J. Barrett is continuing to make strides in his development as well. Barrett scored 24 against the Cavs and is averaging 18.5 ppg in January. Notably, he is shooting 50 percent from three (13 of 26) in his last eight games after shooting only 12% from outside (3 of 25) in the six games before that.
The biggest praise is reserved for big man Julius Randle, who could receive his first All-Star nod this season. Randle is averaging 22.2 ppg, 11.1 rpg, and 6.0 apg, all of which are career highs.
Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks Betting Stats and Trends
Los Angeles Clippers Stat Sheet
Offense
- PPG: 113.8 (7th in the NBA)
- FG: 47.7 percent (5th)
- 3PT: 41.4 percent (1st)
Defense
- PPG: 106.3 (4th)
- FG: 46.0 percent (17th)
- 3PT: 35.7 percent (8th)
Los Angeles Clippers Recent Form (Last Five: 4-1)
- 1/29/21: Orlando Magic 90-116 Los Angeles Clippers
- 1/28/21: Miami Heat 105-109 Los Angeles Clippers
- 1/26/21: Atlanta Hawks 108-99 Los Angeles Clippers
- 1/24/21: Los Angeles Clippers 108-100 Oklahoma City Thunder
- 1/22/21: Los Angeles Clippers 120-106 Oklahoma City Thunder
New York Knicks Stat Sheet
Offense
- PPG: 101.6 (30th)
- FG: 44.4 percent (25th)
- 3PT: 35.0 percent (22nd)
Defense
- PPG: 102.7 (1st)
- FG: 42.6 percent (1st)
- 3PT: 31.3 percent (1st)
New York Knicks Recent Form (Last Five: 2-3)
- 1/29/21: New York Knicks 102-81 Cleveland Cavaliers
- 1/26/21: Utah Jazz 108-94 New York Knicks
- 1/24/21: Portland Trail Blazers 116-113 New York Knicks
- 1/22/21: Sacramento Kings 103-94 New York Knicks
- 1/21/21: Golden State Warriors 104-119 New York Knicks
Clippers vs Knicks Top Betting Trend
- In seven games against Western Conference opponents, the Knicks have averaged 101.4 ppg. Their team total for today’s game is 102.5 (O -110, U -110).
Los Angeles Clippers vs New York Knicks Betting Advice
There is a lot to be encouraged about if you are a Knicks fan. They are excelling on the defensive end and have some solid building blocks on offense. There are, however, going to be some bumps and stumbles along their journey to being a playoff team again. Today will be one of them, as the Clippers will take the win and make it 10 in 11 for Lue and the crew. Back the under.
Clippers vs Knicks Best Bets
- UNDER 213 (-110)
