Los Angeles Clippers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers Preview
Where: Quicken Loans Arena – Cleveland, Ohio
When: Thursday, December 1, 2016, 8:00 PM ET
Line: Los Angeles Clippers (+5) at Cleveland Cavaliers (-5); total 214.5 – view all NBA lines
TV Broadcast: TNT
Writer’s Pick: Cleveland Cavaliers (-5)
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Betting on the Los Angeles Clippers (+5)
The Los Angeles Clippers are in the middle of their first slump of the season. After a scorching hot start, the Clips (14-5) have gone 0-3 in their last three games, all on the road. They lost to both the Pistons (108-97) and Pacers (91-70) by double-figures, and also fell in double-overtime to the Brooklyn Nets (127-122) in their last game.
The mounting losses are taking their toll on the team. Doc Rivers was ejected during the Nets game after he lost it while complaining with officials, while DeAndre Jordan had some choice words for his struggling team.
Still, it feels like a matter of time before this talented team gets back on track. Even with their recent swoon, the Clippers remain the only team in the league ranked in the top five in both offensive and defensive efficiency.
Leading scorer Blake Griffin (21 points per game) was rested for the Nets game, but should be back for their visit to Cleveland.
Griffin’s return only increases the chances of a high-scoring showdown against the Cavs, who are another terrific offensive team. The over has gone 8-2 in the Clippers’ last 10 games.
Betting on the Cleveland Cavaliers (-5)
The Cavs (13-3) are coming back home after a pretty uneven two games on the road. They labored to a 112-108 win against the Philadelphia 76ers, and suffered their biggest loss of the season, 118-101, to the Milwaukee Bucks.
LeBron James had one of his worst games in an otherwise terrific season against the Bucks. He finished with 22 points, but had just 4 rebounds and 4 assists with a season-high 7 turnovers, way down from his averages of 23.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 9.3 assists.
That loss was headlined by JR Smith’s inexplicable in-game hug with Jason Terry, which sends the message that the Cavs aren’t exactly locked in at the moment.
However, a return home could be just what the Cavs need to get back on track. Cleveland has gone 9-1 at home this season, and has blown out its last three opponents by an average margin of 24 points.
Furthermore, Cleveland at home against the Clippers has been one of the most reliable locks in the NBA in recent years. The Cavs are an incredible 17-3 (14-5 ATS) in their last 20 home meetings with LA, and 9-1 SU/ATS in their last 10.
Writer’s Prediction
The Cavs (-5) continue their dominance over the Clippers as they win 112-105.
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