New York Knicks (13-10) vs. LA Clippers (13-10)
Knicks vs. Clippers 12/16/23 – Saturday will see an intriguing NBA showdown at Crypto.com Arena as New York Knicks, currently sitting atop their conference, take on LA Clippers who share an identical record. This game should provide fans and bettors alike with plenty of action between these evenly-matched teams for top free basketball picks!
The New York Knicks have delivered an admirable performance this season, averaging 113.1 points per game while shooting 45.7% from the field and showing balanced offensive strategies with 38.4% three-point efficiency; their free throw percentage stands at 74.2 and average turnovers per game amount to 12.5; however these areas require improvement and should be addressed immediately.
Conversely, the Los Angeles Clippers have shown more potency on offense, scoring 114.1 points per game on average. Their 47.6% field goal percentage and strong performance from beyond the three-point line (37.1%) have been key contributors to their success. Defensively, LA holds an edge over New York with regard to steals and blocks per game which may prove decisive come game time.
Knicks vs. Clippers 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 10:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Crypto.com Arena |
| TV: | BSSC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Jalen Brunson (PG) vs. Kawhi Leonard (SF)
Jalen Brunson has given New York the efficient scorer and playmaker they lacked last season, boasting averages of 24.6 points, 5.6 assists, and only 2.2 turnovers on an average night. Brunson can score both inside and midrange exceptionally well; though his defense may lack depth a bit. To help the Knicks beat Clippers guards effectively Brunson must utilize calculated scoring and distribution in his strategies.
Kawhi Leonard has returned from injury strong, averaging 30 points, 6 rebounds, and nearly two steals per game over six games since returning. Leonard remains one of the NBA’s premier mid-range scorers and lockdown perimeter defenders; using screens to create just enough separation for his pull-up jumper shot. If Brunson continues scoring all night against Kawhi’s defense – an individual matchup between star forwards could play a huge role in deciding the outcome of the matchup between these two superstars could become another big factor determining its outcome!
The individual matchup between Brunson and Leonard features two incredibly skilled scorers and playmakers. Whichever player is able to consistently create their own offense while slowing down their opponent could put their team in position to win this game. Both stars require help from their supporting casts as well since they cannot do it entirely alone.
NBA Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup will be critical in determining the favorites, with both teams having similar records. Bettors will need to consider each team’s recent form and head-to-head matchups to make informed decisions.
New York Knicks Betting Trends
The Knicks are 3-2 in their last 5 games straight up and 2-3 against the spread (ATS). This indicates they are competitive but have struggled to consistently cover margins. The totals have gone OVER 4 of the Knicks’ last 5 outings. The Knicks are also 7-5 ATS on the road this year. With a matchup against a top-10 offense, expect more of their recent high-scoring trends
LA Clippers Betting Trends
The Clippers have won 4 of their last 5 contests straight up and covered the spread in 3 of those outings. They are starting to regain the strong form expected of this team now that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are healthy again. However, they are just 4-7 ATS at home this season compared to 9-3 ATS on the road. The Clippers’ role players have performed markedly worse in Los Angeles.
New York Knicks vs. LA Clippers 12/16/23 Betting Picks
Considering the statistics and trends, this game appears to be a tight contest. The Clippers, with their slightly superior offensive and defensive stats, might have a slight edge. However, the Knicks’ resilience, especially in away games, should not be underestimated.
In terms of betting, this game could go either way, making it a challenging pick for bettors. Prop bets, over/under, and spread betting will be attractive options, given the teams’ recent performances. These best handicapper insights are based on the current form and statistics of both teams, but the unpredictable nature of the NBA always holds potential for surprises.
Free Pick and Prediction: LA Clippers 112, New York Knicks 108