Washington Wizards Vs Los Angeles Clippers Prediction, Preview, And Betting Odds
The Los Angeles Clippers and Washington Wizards are set to clash in an exciting matchup on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at 05:00 PM ET at the Capital One Arena (Washington). Here’s a comprehensive preview of the game, including betting odds, and a game prediction.
- Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024
- Time: 5:00 PM EST
- Location: Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C.
- TV: NBC Sports Washington, Bally Sports SoCal
Match Prediction Los Angeles Clippers vs Washington Wizards
This is a tough one to call, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. The Wizards are at home and hungry for a win, but the Clippers’ offensive firepower is hard to deny. If Beal is healthy and Porzingis has a big night, the Wizards can keep it close.
My Pick: Clippers -5.5, but expect a close battle with the Wizards covering the spread.
Head to Head
- Overall Record: Clippers lead 39-33 (.541 win percentage)
- Points per game: Clippers 107.1, Wizards 104.5
- Home win percentage: Wizards 21-16 (56.3%), Clippers 18-17 (51.4%)
- Away win percentage: Clippers 21-16 (56.3%), Wizards 15-17 (46.9%)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Washington Wizards Preview
The Washington Wizards (18-24) hope to find their magic touch at home as they host the high-flying Los Angeles Clippers (30-14). The Wiz are coming off a tough loss to the Cavaliers, but they’ve been competitive lately, winning 5 of their last 7 games. Bradley Beal’s scoring (28.3 ppg) is key, but they need more contributions from Kristaps Porzingis (22.0 ppg) and Kyle Kuzma (14.2 ppg) to keep up with the Clippers’ firepower.
The Clippers are soaring toward the top of the Western Conference, fueled by the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard (26.5 ppg) and Paul George (24.6 ppg). They’ve won 3 of their last 4 games and boast a potent offense that leads the league in isolation frequency. However, the absence of Ivica Zubac in the middle could leave them vulnerable against Porzingis.
Injury Report:
- Wizards: Rui Hachimura (Out, Ankle), Delon Wright (Out, Hamstring), Bradley Beal (Questionable, Hamstring)
- Clippers: Ivica Zubac (Out, Calf), John Wall (Out, Knee)
Washington Wizards vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Odds
- Moneyline: Wizards +165 | Clippers -200
- Spread: Wizards +5.5 (-110) | Clippers -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under: 221.5 points (Over -110 | Under -110)
FAQs for Los Angeles Clippers vs Washington Wizards
Is the Clippers a good team?
Since the Los Angeles Clippers adjusted to the James Harden trade, they have been among the best teams in the NBA. They are 12-2 since Dec. 1 – tied for the most victories in that span – and have the No. 3 offense in those 14 games, scoring 122.8 points per 100 possessions.
Why are the Clippers in Los Angeles?
In 1981 the Clippers were sold to Donald Sterling, a Los Angeles-based real estate mogul, who moved the team to his home city in 1984. The team did not fare any better in its new home, finishing with a losing record in each season from 1984–85 to 1990–91.
Why are they called Clippers?
San Diego team officials did not think “Braves” was a proper representative nickname for the club in San Diego, and a local naming contest ultimately decided on “Clippers”, about the city being known for the great sailing ships that passed through San Diego Bay.
Who has played the most games for the Clippers franchise?
As of August 2023, DeAndre Jordan was the Los Angeles Clippers player with the most games played in franchise history. Jordan became the career games played leader of the Los Angeles Clippers after playing 750 games for the franchise.
Who owns the LA Clippers?
Steven Anthony Ballmer (/ˈbɔːlmər/; March 24, 1956) is an American businessman and investor who was the chief executive officer of Microsoft from 2000 to 2014. He is the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Read More: Cleveland Cavaliers Vs Detroit Pistons Prediction, Preview, And Betting Odds
Conclusion
This game has the potential to be a thriller, with both teams battling for crucial playoff positioning. The Wizards have home-court advantage and a motivated Beal, but the Clippers’ offensive firepower and Leonard’s brilliance are tough to overcome. Zubac’s absence creates an interesting twist, potentially giving Porzingis the edge in the paint.