by Chuck Sommers
Saturday, Dec 11, 2021
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Venue: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Where to watch: Bally Sports Southern California, Bally Sports Florida
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Clippers -8.5
BetMGM: Clippers -8.5
Caesars: Clippers -8.5
Season record
Magic: 5-21 (14th place, Eastern Conference)
Clippers: 14-12 (5th place, Western Conference)
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Magic - Clippers preview and analysis
The Los Angeles Clippers, for the moment, seemed to have found their game. Going into Saturday's matchup against the Orlando Magic, there's no doubt that L.A. should win their third straight and fourth out of five.
The Clippers were a rare underdog for just the first time since Nov. 28 on Wednesday, winning 114-111 against the Boston Celtics while getting only one point.
No doubt that line altered when Paul George was a late scratch due to an elbow injury. Brandon Boston Jr. carried the load while the Clippers were down their superstar, scoring a team-high 27 points in 25 minutes while making five 3-pointers. Marcus Morris led the starters with 20 points and the Clippers were able to overcome Reggie Jackson's 6 of 22 shooting performance.
Prior to the three in four stretch, the Clippers did not cover in their previous five and all games were at home. The over has also been a surprising result in four of the last six for the Clippers with that defensive-first mentality.
It hasn't been a surprise to see the Magic be on the receiving end of a ton of overs. Orlando, which has gone 1-9 in its last 10, has seen four straight overs cash while going 3-2 against the spread. The Magic seemed to turn a corner against the Sacramento Kings by scoring 130 points; the problem is the Kings scored 142.
Despite Cole Anthony scoring 33 points, the Magic couldn't close the deal in the fourth quarter. That's been a constant for the young team as they continue to try and get it together.
Prediction
This shouldn't be an issue with the Clippers. Despite being 2-5 ATS in their last seven against teams with a losing record, the Clips should be able to handle the Magic, who are 0-5 ATS in their last five playing on two days rest. Clippers by 14
Betting trends
The Magic are 10-15 ATS as an underdog this season.
The Magic are 9-11 ATS off consecutive road losses in their last 20 games.
The Clippers are 6-10 ATS as a home favorite this season.
The Clippers are 15-6 ATS in their last 21 against Southeast Division opponents.
Projected starting lineup
Magic:
PG: Cole Anthony
SG: Gary Harris
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Wendell Carter Jr.
C: Mo Bamba
SF: Franz Wagner
PF: Wendell Carter Jr.
C: Mo Bamba
Clippers:
PG: Reggie Jackson
SG: Luke Kennard
SF: Marcus Morris Sr.
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Ivica Zubac
SF: Marcus Morris Sr.
PF: Serge Ibaka
C: Ivica Zubac
Key injuries
Magic: Jalen Suggs (thumb, out), Markelle Fultz (ACL, out but practicing), Jonathan Issac (out)
Clippers: Paul George (elbow, out), Kawhi Leonard (knee, out), Nic Batum (ankle, doubtful)
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
