504 Clippers (-7.5) over Knicks
Because this number seems high I think the market will be backing the Knicks so I think there’s value on the Clippers. Over the last few games the Clippers have been getting some key players back into their rotation and getting stronger as the playoffs approach. I think when healthy they’re the most complete and deepest team where they can play at least 12 guys 15+ minutes or more. With only 5 games left in their season the Clippers can wrap up the 3rd seed with a couple more wins so I think they’ll play with motivation to get a win against a good Knicks team that they’re better than. This is also a great spot to play against the Knicks because they were one of the hottest teams in the league over the last month and gained a lot of attention and support from the betting market while the Clippers have been flying under the radar.
The Knicks have been an elite defense all season but over this 2 game losing streak against some great offenses against the Suns and Nuggets they’ve given up 120.5 PPG, ranked 20th in defensive rating and over their last 10 games when they’ve played against top 5 offenses (2 games vs the Suns) and gave up 123 PPG and went 0-2 SU and ATS. Also the Knicks have struggled to score the ball in the 2nd half of these games only scoring 44.5 points so if they have another offensive lapse against the Clippers that’s an elite team on both ends the results of this game can end up similar to their last game against the Suns.