Los Angeles Clippers vs Brooklyn Nets Prediction: Expert a close fight

The Clippers and Nets might have been more interesting if Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving had played, but either way, the matchup has a very high-profile poster. Los Angeles or New York, Paul George or Kevin Durant – who will prove stronger?

The Clippers have won 5 of their last 6 regular-season games, while previously they had a four-game losing streak. It is surprising to see the way Los Angeles has transformed. Not so long ago the Clippers were terrible on offense and ranked last in the league in average points scored. Now the Californians are moving the ball more and creating open scoring chances and it's a pleasure to watch them play. Their defense is surprising, given that the Clippers have one of the longest bench in the league and an abundance of defensive minded players. Los Angeles can afford to let Robert Covington out for just 15 minutes, favoring Nicolas Batum and Marcus Morris. Kawhi Leonard is having problems with his knee, while the rest of the roster is close to optimal.

The day before the Clippers faced the Lakers and won with a score of 114-101. Already in the 1st quarter Tyronn Lue's team took the lead and made a good play on both halves of the floor. Seven players scored 10+ points, including Luke Kennard, Marcus Morris, Ivica Zubac, John Wall, Reggie Jackson and Norman Powell. Paul George was the highest scorer on the team with 29 points.

The Nets kept Jacque Vaughn as their head coach – apparently management is happy with the team's play. Brooklyn has won 3 of the last 4 regular-season games, moving up to 10th place in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks, Hornets and Wizards were among those who were defeated. The derby with New York ended in a 112-85 defeat.

By all accounts, the key to their success was improved defense. Kyrie Irving was the weak link in that regard, and the club recently extended his four-game suspension. Ben Simmons returned from injury and only strengthened the defense. Edmond Sumner has returned to form nicely and Seth Curry is slowly getting acclimated after an injury.

Both teams have played great defense in recent games, and Brooklyn has been particularly impressive in that regard based on their stats. The Nets play pretty slow basketball, and the same can be said about the Clippers at the start of the regular season. Keep in mind that Kawhi Leonard and Kyrie Irving will not be on the court, and both teams' shooters are not in great shape. Our prediction is the following:

• TU (213.5) for 1.824;
• H1 (-1.5) for 1.90;
• X for 15.0.

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