San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers: Predictions, Starting Lineups (10/29/23)
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The San Antonio Spurs (1-1) meet the Los Angeles Clippers (1-1) this Sunday (10/29/23). Get Spurs vs. Clippers moneyline and spread odds, as well as predictions, starting lineups, injuries, and key matchups.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction
Because I am expecting Los Angeles to control this game from start to finish, the Clippers to win the first quarter and the game at (-140 DK) is the best bet.
San Antonio has allowed the 4th most restricted area field goal attempts per game and the largest field goal percentage in this area. It will drastically improve once Victor Wembanyama becomes acclimated to the NBA and develops chemistry with Zach Collins, but the Spurs remain porous inside for the time being. Los Angeles doesn’t batter teams in the paint, but Ivica Zubac and Russell Westbrook will be effective around the basket.
The Clippers can pair this efficient rim scoring with a deadly outside barrage. They ranked 3rd in the NBA at a 38.1 3PT%, and Los Angeles owns a 43.5 3PT% through two games. Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Norman Powell, and Nicolas Batum are all elite three-point shooters that will expose a below average San Antonio perimeter defense, especially their bench defense. Plus, San Antonio will struggle to handle Los Angeles’ scorers, as the team lacks high-level isolation defenders.
On the other end, San Antonio’s offense likely struggles here. Grant Williams of the Mavericks defended Wembanyama well because he was physical, dug into his lower body before the catch, and didn’t allow him to have space facing the basket. Kawhi Leonard can fill this role perfectly and take Wembanyama out of his comfort zone. Meanwhile, Paul George and Robert Covington are effective defenders that will help limit Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson’s on-ball creation.
San Antonio’s lack of three-point shooting also places them at a disadvantage. It will be extremely difficult for them to match Los Angeles’ three-point production, so they must be hyper-efficient in the paint or from the free throw line as a result. Given Los Angeles’ wing defenders and solid rim protection, this matchup doesn’t bode well for the Spurs.
Overall, this deep Clippers team should squash San Antonio’s defense and control the game.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Prediction: Clippers 1st Quarter & Match Winner (-140 DK)
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Best Odds
The San Antonio Spurs are massive nine point underdogs in this matchup. They need to win about 24% of the time based on their +310 moneyline. The 229 total is in the middle of the pack for the Sunday slate.
San Antonio Spurs Starting Lineup
PG: Jeremy Sochan
SG: Devin Vassell
SF: Keldon Johnson
PF: Victor Wembanyama
C: Zach Collins
Los Angeles Clippers Starting Lineup
PG: Russell Westbrook
SG: Paul George
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Robert Covington
C: Ivica Zubac
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Injuries
Terance Mann, Marcus Morris, Brandon Boston Jr, and Joshua Primo are all out for the Los Angeles Clippers. On the other hand, San Antonio enters this contest completely healthy.
San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Key Matchups
Russell Westbrook
The future Hall of Fame point guard still retains his elite court vision and passing, which provides the Clippers with a half-court shot quality boost. However, Westbrook is prone to costly turnovers and cold shooting streaks. Essentially, his level of play determines Los Angeles’ offensive ceiling. If Westbrook turns in an efficient night from both a playmaking and shooting standpoint, then the Clippers are highly likely to cruise here. Otherwise, the game could be closer than expected.
