Thursday is like any other day in sports, as it features an exciting set of games, but for THIS Thursday, there are two you should probably get your money on. In Philly, the Eagles will add another page in their storied rivalry with the New York Giants, while the mighty San Antonio Spurs will visit Chris Paul and company in Los Angeles.
The Giants, especially their defense, have been impressing for weeks now. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has guided his boys on D to record 18 takeaways in their last nine games, while also holding teams to under 100 yards on the ground seven times. They are 8-1 during that stretch (6-2-1 ATS).
Offensively, although it is not currently as explosive as we thought, should still provide a threat. In that eight-game span, Eli Manning is averaging 234 YPG and has a 20-9 TD-INT ratio.
For the Eagles, they went downhill after a 3-0 start, as they lost nine of their next 11 to end up 5-9 through Week 15. Still, there shouldn’t be any worries, since they have great, young pieces to work with, which starts with Carson Wentz. The rookie is posting impressive stats as a rookie play-caller – 241.8 YPG and a 13-13 TD-INT ratio.
Philly will enter the game with a good momentum on their running game. Against a well-respected Ravens defense in Week 15, Ryan Matthews led the ground attack and ran for 128 of the team’s 169 rushing yards.
The Spurs will be bringing their great team chemistry and even greater road record (15-1 SU, 10-5-1 ATS) to Staples Center.
In trying to further improve the stat, expect Kawhi Leonard (23.9 PPG), LaMarcus Aldridge (16.6 PPG), and the rest of their supporting cast to once again provide efficiency on both sides of the floor. Together, they are powering the Spurs to be in the top seven of both offensive and defensive rankings.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are in search for someone to step up in place of the injured Blake Griffin (knee). JJ Redick (15.5 PPG) and Jamal Crawford (11.8 PPG on 25.1 MPG) should be both eyed to do so, but Chris Paul will likely have to do more scoring, along with being smarter in setting up teammates.
Doc Rivers and his men have a fifth-ranked offense and and a sixth-ranked defense. In addition, they are top six in points (109.9 PPG) and points allowed (101.6).
The Clipps have been pretty good at home SU (10-4), but they are underachieveing ATS (8-6).
