Prizing:

1st Place: $50 Amazon gift card

2nd-5th Place: $10 Starbucks gift card

Overview:

On Sunday, February 5^th, the (31-18) Los Angeles Clippers will be on the road to take on the (31-18) Boston Celtics.

The Crowd:  

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Celtics 103.6 – Clippers 100.7 with an over/under of 204.3.

Statistics (2016-17 season):

Point differential: Clippers +4.1 (6^th) > Celtics +2.5 (8^th)

Points per game: Celtics 108.2 (tied for 6^th) = Clippers 108.2 (tied for 6^th)

Points allowed per game: Clippers 104.1 (8^th) > Celtics 105.7 (tied for 18^th)

Field Goal Percentage Offense: Clippers 46.9% (5^th) > Celtics 45.4% (16^th)

Three Point Percentage: Clippers 37.9% (4^th) > Celtics 36.8% (tied for 7^th)

Field Goal Percentage Defense: Clippers 44.8% (7^th) > Celtics 45.4% (15^th)

Turnovers committed per game: Celtics 11.9 (5^th) > Clippers 12.6 (10^th)

Turnovers forced per game: Celtics 13.7 (tied for 13^th) > Clippers 12.8 (tied for 21^st)

Rebounds per game: Clippers 43.6 (16^th) > Celtics 41.3 (28^th)

Assists per game: Celtics 25.4 (3^rd) > Clippers 22.4 (14^th)

Summary:

Boston is (7-3) in their last ten games while Los Angeles is (6-4).  The Clippers have lost four of their last six games without Chris Paul.  Paul is doing basketball drills again but still has no timetable for a return.  The Clippers defense has really suffered allowing 110 points in their last three games.  This could be a problem against a healthy Celtics team that ranks 6^th in points per game (108.2).  Without Paul, the Clippers could struggle keeping the lighting quick Isaiah Thomas out of the paint.  Thomas is having the finest season of his career averaging 29.4 points and 6.4 assists per game.  I don’t think it will be a blowout but I like the Celtics to take care of business at home.

**LISTEN HERE** to the latest edition of “The Berger Shop” podcast, sponsored by The Crowd’s Line.  This week’s episode features an in-depth discussion with Knicks super fan Anthony Donahue and Sixers guru Joey Schwartz.

Note:

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