LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs Prediction and Betting Tips | Dec. 31, 2024

The LA Clippers and San Antonio Spurs conclude their 2024 schedules on Tuesday with their second of four matchups this season. LA will look to take a 2-0 lead in their season series after securing a 113-104 home win on Nov. 4.

The Clippers (19-13) enter the showdown riding a three-game winning streak. They are coming off Monday's 116-113 road victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, led by veteran wing Norman Powell's game-high 35-point performance.

Conversely, the Spurs (16-16) will attempt to bounce back from Sunday's 112-110 road loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. They came up short despite star big man Victor Wembanyama's game-best 34-point effort.

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LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs odds, preview and prediction

The LA Clippers and San Antonio Spurs' clash is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The game will be broadcast on FDSSW and FDSS. It can also be streamed on NBA League Pass and Fubo.

Moneyline: Clippers (+120) vs Spurs (-140)

Spread: Clippers +2.5 (-110) vs Spurs -2.5 (-110)

Total (Over/Under): o217.5 (-110) vs u217.5 (-110)

Editor's note: The odds could change closer to tipoff, as the odds listed were based on available information at the time of writing.

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LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs preview

The Clippers continue to be without their top player, superstar forward Kawhi Leonard, who is rehabbing from right knee inflammation. The two-time NBA champion reportedly aims to make his season debut on Jan. 4, sidelining him for at least two more outings.

Powell has stepped up in Leonard's absence, repeatedly delivering 20-plus-point scoring efforts. Through 25 appearances, he is averaging a career-best 24.6 points and 3.8 3-pointers per game, shooting 49.4% and 45.9% from deep.

The 2019 NBA champion's scoring influx, combined with veteran star guard James Harden's complementary scoring and playmaking, has kept LA's offense semi-afloat.

While the Clippers rank just 22nd in the NBA in offensive rating (110.7), they have been elite defensively, sitting fourth in defensive rating (108.0). Center Ivica Zubac has manned the paint, ranking fourth in the league in rebounding (12.7 rebounds per game). Meanwhile, veteran role players Derrick Jones Jr. and Kris Dunn have chipped in defensively.

As for the Spurs, they have been a middling squad on both ends, positioned 18th in offensive rating (111.4) and 15th in defensive rating (112.7). However, Wembanyama's two-way brilliance gives them a chance to compete against any opponent.

Across 27 appearances, the 7-foot-3 sophomore is averaging 25.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg, a league-leading 4.0 blocks and 3.4 3pg, shooting 47.8%. He has benefitted from veteran point guard Chris Paul's playmaking, with wing Devin Vassell and forward Jeremy Sochan serving as complementary scorers.

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LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs projected starting lineups

With Leonard again unavailable, LA's starting lineup should be as follows:

PG: James Harden SG: Kris Dunn SF: Norman Powell PF: Derrick Jones Jr. C: Ivica Zubac

Meanwhile, San Antonio is projected to have its regular starting five available:

PG: Chris Paul SG: Devin Vassell SF: Harrison Barnes PF: Jeremy Sochan C: Victor Wembanyama

Editor's note: These are projected starting lineups and could change as players' availabilities are updated closer to game time.

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LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs betting tips

Powell's points prop is 23.5. He has tallied 26-plus points in six straight games, so he appears likely to ride his hot streak and hit the over.

Meanwhile, Wembanyama's points prop is 25.5. The French phenom has recorded 26-plus points in five of his last six outings; thus, he also appears primed to hit the over.

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LA Clippers vs San Antonio Spurs prediction

San Antonio has the homecourt advantage and is coming off a rest day, while LA is on the second night of a road back-to-back. However, the Clippers have been rolling lately and have a more well-rounded team. Conversely, the Spurs have dropped their past few matchups against winning teams.

So, LA should be able to cover the spread (+2.5) and eke out another close road victory to extend its winning streak to four. However, given both squads' limited offensive options, they may not surpass their over/under point total (217.5), as they combined for 217 points on Nov. 4.

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