NBA Picks: New York Knicks vs. Los Angeles Clippers

New York Knicks at Los Angeles Clippers
Sunday, 3/17/13, 3:30 PM EST, TV: ABC
Opening Point Spread: Los Angeles -13
Current Betting Line: Los Angeles -12.5
Opening Total: 195
Current Total: 194.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Los Angeles Clippers F Blake Griffin has put up great numbers against the New York Knicks in his career

New York has dropped the first three games of its five-game road trip against Western Conference opponents, including a 105-90 setback to the Portland Trail Blazers as six-point underdogs Thursday night, while going OVER the posted total of 193. “I’ve got to do a better job of getting these guys over this hump,” commented Knicks coach Mike Woodson. The Knicks will likely be without the services of Carmelo Anthony (knee) and Tyson Chandler (knee), while Amare Stoudemire won’t return until at least May. New York is 3-3 ATS when playing on two days rest, which is important to consider when making your NBA picks against the spread Sunday.

The Knicks suffered a 102-88 loss as 3.5-point home favorites in their first meeting with the Clippers this season, while going UNDER the posted total of 192. In what was another Sunday afternoon matchup, New York was held to 18 fourth-quarter points, as it wasted a 42-point effort from Anthony.

Los Angeles has alternated wins and losses over its last six games, as it looks to bounce back from a 96-85 defeat to the Memphis Grizzlies as six-point home favorites last Wednesday, while going UNDER the posted total of 185. “I could care less what seed we are,” stated Clippers point guard Chris Paul. He is averaging 16.6 points and 9.6 assists. The squad is 25-8 at the Staples Center this year, including a 9-2 mark versus Eastern Conference opponents. Los Angeles is 0-3 SUATS after scoring 85 points or less this season, with the OVER going 3-0 in that situation.

The Clippers will be led offensively by forward Blake Griffin, who has averaged 27.8 points in four games against the Knicks, which happens to be his second-highest scoring average versus any NBA team. Los Angeles has compiled a 13-5 record when featured on ABC, ESPN or TNT during the 2012-13 season.