Celtics vs. Clippers Prediction and Odds for Monday, December 12 (Boston Bounces Back in L.A.)

The Boston Celtics finally lost a game on Saturday night against the Golden State Warriors, but they still have the best record in the NBA heading into a road matchup with the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday. 

This should be a fun wing matchup with Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum going up against Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Get your popcorn ready, because there is going to be a ton of impressive offense from those players. 

On the Boston side, Al Horford and Robert Williams III are both listed as out for this game, while the Clippers won’t have guard Norman Powell (groin). 

The Clippers have been a confusing team to figure out, going 13-15 against the spread, and they haven’t gotten their legs fully under them with George and Leonard missing a bunch of time this season. 

Can they handle a step up in class against the league’s best team?

Here’s a look at the latest odds: 

Celtics vs. Clippers Odds, Spread and Total

Celtics vs. Clippers Prediction and Pick

The Celtics had been on a crazy win streak against Western Conference teams before losing to Golden State, but they’ll look to pick that back up tonight. 

Boston is 17-10 against the spread on the season, and I can’t help but think the Celtics are the team to trust here, considering this Clippers team lost to the Orlando Magic last week and has struggled on offense all season. 

Boston ranks No. 1 in the NBA in offensive rating, way ahead of the Clippers who are 28th. Even with George and Leonard back, Los Angeles is going to have its hands full trying to keep up on that end of the floor. 

The Clips are just 2-3 against the spread as home dogs this season, and they don’t have the inside presence to really take advantage of Horford and Williams being out. 

I think this is a prime bounce-back spot for Boston, who is 4-1 after a loss in the 2022-23 campaign. 

Find Peter Dewey’s full betting record here.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.