GST Staff

Clippers vs. Spurs Prediction, Odds, Best Prop Bets December 31, 2024

Clippers' Balanced Attack Aims to Overwhelm Inconsistent Spurs

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The San Antonio Spurs and Los Angeles Clippers enter their New Year's Eve matchup on contrasting trajectories. While the Spurs have hovered around .500 all season with a 16-16 record, the Clippers have surged to 18-13, winning 8 of their last 12 games.

Offense has fueled LA's recent success. Over their last 5 games, the Clippers are scoring a blistering 115 points per contest on nearly 50% shooting from the field and just under 38% from three-point range. They've also clamped down defensively, allowing just 103.4 points – a marked improvement from their season average of 107.1 points allowed.

San Antonio, meanwhile, has struggled to find consistency. Though their overall numbers are solid with 111.1 points per game on 45.7% shooting, the Spurs have slipped a bit recently. Over their last 10 games, they're averaging 111.7 points – just a shade above their season mark – while surrendering 112.5 points on the other end, nearly a full point higher than their season average.

The Clippers' resurgent offense has been powered by balanced scoring and a renewed commitment on the glass. They're grabbing nearly 44 rebounds per game over their last 5 contests while dishing out 23.4 assists – numbers that highlight their willingness to share the ball. LA's defense has also tightened, swiping over 10 steals per game while blocking 6.4 shots, both improvements over their season averages.

While San Antonio's scoring remains potent, turnovers have plagued their offense recently. Over their last 10 games, the Spurs are coughing it up 14.3 times per outing, negating the impact of their prolific three-point shooting at a 35.4% clip. San Antonio's defense has also slipped, surrendering 8.1 blocks per game in that span – over 2 blocks higher than their season average.

With the Clippers rolling and the Spurs searching for answers, this New Year's Eve clash could come down to which team can impose its recent form on the other. Will LA's stifling defense and balanced attack overwhelm San Antonio? Or can the Spurs regain their early-season rhythm to cool off the surging Clippers? The numbers point to an entertaining battle as 2024 draws to a close.