Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers Prediction and Betting Tips

The slumping Washington Wizards will hope to even their season series against the LA Clippers when they square off on Thursday. Washington, on an 11-game losing streak, lost to LA 121-96 in their first meeting in November. The Wizards could exact revenge because the Clippers have key players on their injury list.

The Clippers lost 117-113 to the Boston Celtics in overtime without James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, Ivica Zubac and Norman Powell. Zubac will remain out, but there's hope for the others to return against Washington. If Harden, Leonard and Powell aren't unavailable, the Wizards could bounce back with a win.

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Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers Preview, Prediction, Starting Lineups and Betting Tips

The Intuit Dome will host the Wizards-Clippers rematch. Fans can stream the action live by subscribing to the NBA League Pass.

Moneyline: Wizards (+575) vs. Clippers (-850)

Odds: Wizards (+13.5 -110) vs. Clippers (+13.5 -110)

Total (O/U): Wizards (o224.0 -110) vs. Clippers (u224.0 -110)

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

Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers preview

The Wizards rank last in the NBA in both offensive and defensive rating. The Clippers might be short-handed, but the Wizards will have to step up on both ends of the floor to win on the road.

Washington is 26th in the league in turnovers, averaging 16.1 errors per game. On top of the team’s priority list is cutting down their mistakes, particularly unforced ones. LA could punish them if the Wizards don't take care of the ball.

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If Leonard, Harden and Powell aren't available, the Clippers must continue to get more out of Derrick Jones Jr. Ty Lue leaned on the defensive stalwart, who delivered 29 points against the Boston Celtics. Amir Coffey and Kevin Porter Jr. also need to sustain their output to help carry the Clippers.

Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers predicted starting lineups

Wizards

PG: Bub Carrington | SG: Jordan Poole | SF: Bilal Coulibaly | PF: Kyle Kuzma | C: Alex Sarr

Clippers

PG: Kevin Porter Jr. | SG: Terance Mann | SF: Amir Coffey | PF: Derrick Jones Jr. | C: Mo Bamba

Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers betting tips

Editor’s Note: Player props aren’t available yet for the Wizards-Clippers game.

Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers prediction

The Clippers could easily blow past the -13.5 spread if Harden, Leonard and Powell are cleared to play. If one or none of them return, LA could still earn a win, but the Wizards could cover the spread.

About the author

Michael Macasero brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his coverage of basketball at Sportskeeda with over 18 years of diverse work experience. This includes stints at Convergys, Interpace and RunRepeat.

Michael's background in English and Journalism has provided him with the analytical skills and precision necessary for creating content, and he is a lifelong fan of the Boston Celtics. His favorite players include legends like Larry Bird and Michael Jordan, modern stars like Tim Duncan, and Nikola Jokic, as well as emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Michael respects Gregg Popovich, despite his contentious demeanor in interviews, and recognizes Popovich's genius in adapting his coaching style to maximize the talent on his roster over the years. Michael eagerly anticipates seeing how Popovich will structure the offense around emerging talent like Victor Wembanyama.

Understanding the story and details is crucial to Michael's reporting philosophy and he believes overlooking details, particularly when pressed for time, can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate conclusions.

Aside from work, Michael's children are his hobbies, and he also likes to go running, swimming and weightlifting.

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Edited by Bhargav

Washington Wizards vs LA Clippers Prediction and Betting Tips | Jan. 23, 2024