Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 22, 2025

The Boston Celtics will look to win the season series against the LA Clippers on Wednesday. Boston won the first meeting 126-94 at TD Garden. The defending champs could repeat in the rematch following the Clippers’ decision to hold out Kawhi Leonard.

LA heads into the rematch without Leonard and Ivica Zubac, who is dealing with an eye injury. James Harden (groin), Norman Powell (back) and Nic Batum (finger) are all questionable. The home team will have a tough time beating the Celtics if one of the trio does not get the green light to play.

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Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

Intuit Dome will host the Celtics-Clippers rematch. Basketball fans can catch the action by streaming the game via the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Celtics (-425) vs. Clippers (+325)

Odds: Celtics (-10.0) vs. Clippers (+10.0)

Total (O/U): Celtics (o217.5 -110) vs. Clippers (u217.5 -110)

Editor’s Note: The odds could change closer to the game. The odds listed were as per available information at the time of writing

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Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers preview

The Boston Celtics took advantage of Kawhi Leonard’s absence in their first meeting against the Clippers for a blowout win. Joe Mazzulla leaned on a balanced attack led by Jayson Tatum and Payton Pritchard to riddle LA’s defense.

The same scenario could happen again as the Clippers will have at least two key players out in the rematch.

The LA Clippers trailed 27-20 in the first quarter but could not recover from a 51-29 beatdown in the second period against Boston. To prevent a repeat, James Harden and Co. must limit their turnovers and control the boards. Without Ivica Zubac, backup centers Mo Bamba and Kai Jones should step up.

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Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers predicted starting lineups

Celtics

PG: Derrick White | SG: Jaylen Brown | SF: Sam Hauser | PF: Jayson Tatum | C: Kristaps Porzingis

Clippers

PG: James Harden | PG: Kris Dunn | SG: Norman Powell | PF: Derrick Jones Jr. | C: Mo Bamba

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Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers betting tips

Kristaps Porzingis is averaging 19.4 points per game in January. Without Zubac, the Latvian could keep up his production and top his 17.1 (O/U) points prop. Al Horford could be limited due to a toe sprain, giving Porzingis more opportunities to pile up his points.

James Harden has racked up his assists numbers this month, averaging 9.6 dimes per contest. Over his last two games, he is averaging 11.5 APG. The Beard could easily hit the over in his 8.5 (O/U) assists prop.

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Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers prediction

The Celtics have alternated wins and losses in their last nine games, but they are healthier than the Clippers. Boston is also coming off a 125-85 beatdown of the Golden State Warriors on Monday, while LA lost 112-99 to the Chicago Bulls.

The defending champs have the momentum and could repeat over the Clippers but allow the hosts to cover the +10.0 spread.