NBA Handicapping Predictions – Hornets vs Clippers
The Clippers are coming off a win, but they are only 4-6 in their last 10 games and are tied with the Mavs for the 4th spot in the Western Conference.
Venue/ Stadium: STAPLES Center, Los Angeles, CA
Time/Date: 10:30 PM EST Monday, March 26, 2012
NCAA Odds From: Bovada
Moneyline: OFF
Spread (ATS): Clippers -9.5
Over/Under: 181.5
New Orleans Hornets vs. L.A. Clippers NBA Preview
There is a good chance the Clip Joint will get their 2nd straight win facing a Hornets’ team that has many players banged up and have the worst record in the West. NBA lines have the Clippers as big 9.5-point home favorites with a total of 181.5.
In their last games the Clippers beat the Memphis Grizzlies 101-85 while the Hornets lost to the San Antonio Spurs 89-86.
This season the Hornets are 23-25 ATS with an O/U record of 23-24-1 and the Clippers are 23-25 ATS with an O/U record of 23-25.
The Clippers lost to the Hornets 97-90 in New Orleans last Thursday, but away from the Big Easy the Hornets are only 5-21 on the season.
The Clippers have won 3 straight at home and are 16-8 in their house this season and in their solid win over Memphis both Blake Griffin and Chris Paul recorded double-doubles.
Hornets’ C Chris Kaman went for 20 points and 10 boards in the win over the Clippers last week, but he is questionable for tonight’s game with an illness. Trevor Ariza is a question mark with an ankle injury and Jason Smith is out serving a suspension. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
New Orleans played solid defense in their win over the Clippers last week and they have to do so again tonight since their offense only ranks 29th in the league in scoring.
Jarrett Jack (15.6 ppg) and Carl Landry (11.6 ppg) must provide the offense for the shorthanded Hornets tonight and Jack has averaged 19.25 ppg in his last 4 games and went for 27 in the loss to the Spurs.
The Hornets played well against the Spurs having a late lead, but they missed their last 3 shots.
In some betting trends for this Western Conference match up the Hornets are 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games, 9-3 ATS in their last 12 games vs. a team with a winning S.U. record, and they have an Over record of 8-3 in their last 11 games as an underdog.
The Clippers are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall, 2-8 ATS in their last 10 games as a home favorite, and they have an Under record of 7-0 in their last 7 home games.
Jason’s Pick: The Hornets have a few guys questionable tonight, but while they may not win I think they will keep it close and cover the big 9.5-point spread.
