NBA: Washington Wizards vs. Los Angeles Clippers Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Washington Wizards have made a big upset against the LA Lakers, and are not in the hunt to beat the second team from the City of Angles, the Clippers. Washington showed a superb improvement over the past five events, winning all of them and indicating that they might turn this season and head towards the right direction. Clippers are battling with the Jazz and the Lakers for the No.1 place in the league, but have lost two of the last three. Dropping one more game would interfere with their plans, so win is a must in tonight’s event.

Preview

Washington Wizards (11-17, +450) took down the LA Lakers after overtime, 127-124, with Bradley Beal dropping six of his 33 points in the most important moments of the OT. Russell Westbrook also had six buckets in the extra five minutes, and the Wizards managed to beat the shorthanded Lakers, who were massive favorites coming into this.

The guests from DC trailed 17 points in the second half but bounced back, extending their winning streak. Prior to Monday’s match, they would defeat the Boston Celtics, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and the Portland Trail Blazers, putting up a nice collection here, against the teams who are much higher in the standings.

Westbrook was on the verge of posting a triple-double with 14 boards and nine assists, while Beal had seven rebounds and six dimes. Interestingly, the Wizs had just 36% of shooting for three, hitting nine downtown shots in 25 attempts.

Los Angeles Clippers (22-10, -650) lost to Brooklyn Nets in the interconference derby this Sunday night, 112-108, with them appearing in the strongest lineup with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. PG had 34 buckets and seven dimes, but we need to say that Tyronn Lue restricted his minutes.

Clippers had 42.9% from behind the three-point line, hitting 15 of their 35 attempts while limiting the guests to 11-for-38. What was also striking was that the Clips outrebounded Brooklyn, 61-42, but all that wasn’t utilized properly. The reason for that is unclear, but the alarm was set off following the match because the Nets appeared without Kevin Durant. And if the Clippers couldn’t defeat them with two of their three superstars, what is to be expected once Brooklyn confronts them complete.

This is the last match at home for the LAC before a five-game road trip, that will end in Washington on March 5, and that is why it’s important to win it, and create a positive swing before hitting the road.

Head to Head Games

The Clippers won both matches last year, in LA 150-125, and in DC 135-119. As you see, once these two sides meet, usually we see lots of points.

Prediction

The consensus for the total points is 235.5, and for us, this is a clear plus. The Wizards come in this match full of confidence, with their two best players firing on all cylinders. Both Westbrook and Beal will surely have enough motive for another big performance, while on the other side, Kawhi and PG need to redeem for the recent losses. So, it is over 235.5 points.