Los Angeles Clippers AT Boston Celtics
Mar 9, 2011 at 7:35 PM EST
Opening Line: Boston -10
Current Line: Boston -9.5
Opening Total: 193
Current Total: 192
Opening Moneyline: Bos -525 / LA +425
Current Moneyline: Bos -525 / LA +325
Kevin Garnett was not happy when the Celtics dealt center Kendrick Perkins (and Nate Robinson)away for Jeff Green and Nenad Krstic, but so far his worries haven’t been confirmed by the Celtics play. The Celts have won 5 in a row and will look to extend that streak against a Clippers team that is only 6-25 on the road and has lost three straight at the TD Garden in Boston.
“We got a nice little rhythm, truthfully. It really starts with our core group,” said forward Paul Pierce, “At the end of the day we’re finding a way to win.”
The Clippers had patiently awaited the return of star shooting guard Eric Gordon, but he re-injured his wrist in his first game back and is now out indefinitely again. It’s a blow to the Clippers, even if they are realistically out of playoff contention. They will look to continue to move forward into next season and build upon Blake Griffin’s growth as a player and their continued development of continuity as a team.
Some betting trends:
The total has gone UNDER in 9 of the last 11 Clipper games and the Clippers are 5-12 SU in their last 17 games. The Clippers are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games on the road and the total has gone UNDER in 7 of their last 8 on the road. The Clippers are 3-14 SU in their last 17 games on the roand and the total has gone UNDER in 5 of the Clippers last 6 against the Celtics. The Clippers are 2-5 SU in their last 7 games against Boston and the total has gone UNDER in 7 of the Clippers’ last 8 games against the Celtics. The Clippers are 3-10 SU in their last 13 road games against the Celtics.
The total has gone OVER in 4 of Boston’s last 5 games and Boston is 5-0 SU in their last 5 games. Boston is 2-4 ATS in their last 6 and the total has gone UNDER in 4 of Boston’s last 6 games at home. The total has gone OVER in 11 of Boston’s last 16 home games and Boston is 11-2 SU in their last 13 at home. Boston is 0-5 ATS in their last 5 against the Clippers and the total has gone UNDER in 5 of Boston’s last 6 games against the Clippers. Boston is 5-2 SU in their last 7 games against the Clippers and they are 10-3 SU in their last 13 at home against the Clipperse. Boston is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 against the Clippers at home and the total has gone UNDER in 7 of Boston’s last 8 games at home against the Clippers.
Key Matchups:
Blake Griffin vs. Kevin Garnett
Griffin has been phenomenal against most teams in the league, but one would have to figure Garnett will slow him down this time. Last game against the Celtics, Griffin went for 21 points and 11 boards while Garnett went for 16 points and 11 boards. Griffin, at this point in their careers, is a better athlete but don’t underestimate Garnett’s guile and veteran knowledge. He’ll make the rookie work for his shots and won’t allow him easy uncontested dunks. Garnett will send Griffin to the line and make him earn his points. Garnett is no longer the offensive force he once was, but he can still score. Griffin will have to make sure to contest Garnett’s jumpers and not let him get too many easy looks from Rondo’s penetration.
Mo Williams & Eric Bledsoe vs. Rajon Rondo
Rondo has a clear advantage against both Mo Williams and Bledsoe. He’s worlds quicker than Mo Williams and still faster than Bledsoe, and will have no problem penetrating tonight. When Rondo does get into the interior of the Clipper defense, he’ll have no problem dishing to the Boston bigs for easy looks. Newly acquired Nenad Krstic is starting and averaging 12+ ppg, showing the “Rondo effect” on Krstic. Rondo is leading the league in assists and appears to be the best player from the 2006 draft, along with Rudy Gay.
If this game were in L.A., things might look differently, but the Clippers are a horrible road team and the Celtics are just a very good team – period. The Clippers are going to have to get it into Griffin early and often to have any chance and Foye is going to have to continue the strong play he has shown recently as well.
