It looks like Kawhi Leonard is back, which means that the L.A. Clippers might finally get that elite push from having him and Paul George together. He has not played since June 14, 2021, when he tore his right ACL in Game 4 of the Clippers’ Western Conference semifinal series against the Utah Jazz. He went 10 of 12 from the floor, knocking down two three-pointers, and totaled 25 points, nine boards and six assists to key the Clippers to a 113-93 thumping of the Boston Celtics on Monday. He combined with George (who had 26) to outscore Boston starts Jaylen Brown (21) and Jayson Tatum (20). The Western Conference is already stacked, and a Clippers team that can play at an elite level will make that side of the playoff bracket even more of a gauntlet. As we look to Week 9 of the regular season, check out two NBA betting picks we have for you to consider.
NBA News: Week 9 Betting Preview
→ Tuesday, December 13
New Orleans Pelicans (-1.5) at Utah Jazz (O/U 232.5) (9:00 pm ET)
This will be the second meeting of the 2022-23 season between these two Western Conference contenders. The Jazz (15-14) won the first meeting, 122-121, in overtime, and they come into Tuesday after having lost to Denver, 115-110. They hope to end a two-game skid when the Pelicans come to town. They sit 4 ½ games behind the Pelicans, but their shooting (47.7%) is eighth in the league. Lauri Markkanen is the team’s top scorer with 22.2 points per night. He is questionable (illness) for Tuesday, so you will want to check the latest information before locking in your wager. They limit opponents to 34% shooting from behind the arc, which ranks sixth in the NBA. With Collin Sexton (hamstring) out and Jordan Clarkson (hip) questionable, the Jazz may be missing too many crucial players at the wrong time.
The Pelicans took down the Phoenix Suns, 129-124, in overtime, after making 58.1% of their shots in what turned out to be a real barnburner. The Pelicans lead the West by a game over Memphis and have won nine of their last ten and seven in a row. They are fifth in the NBA in overall shooting percentage (48.8%). Zion Williamson has finally emerged as a force for the Pelicans, putting up 25 points per game and making 60.9% of his shots. From three-point land, they are shooting 36.8% as a team, 11th best overall. On defense, the Pelicans permit just 110.6 points per game, the eighth lowest total in the league. They are solid at rim defense and have limited their opponents to 33.5% in three-point shooting, the second-best number in the league. Pelicans to win and cover.
Boston Celtics (-3.5) at L.A. Lakers (O/U 235.5) (10:00 pm ET)
One of the great NBA rivalries will be renewed on Tuesday as the Celtics take on the Lakers in their first meeting of the season. The Celtics (21-6) come in as favorites over a Lakers (11-15) team that started with a number of problems but has figured things out to some degree. Boston lost ag Golden State on Saturday, 123-107, and also lost to the Clippers on Monday. Even with those setbacks, the Celtics still have the top record in the league and also lead the NBA in adjusted offensive efficiency, putting up 120.1 points per 100 possessions. Their shooting percentage (49.1%) is third overall, and they lead the league in three-point shooting percentage (39.7%). On defense, the Celtics permit 112.2 points per 100 possessions (T10) and permit 34.9% three-point shooting (T12).
The Lakers stopped a three-game skid on Sunday when they beat the Pistons in Detroit, 124-117, as five-point favorites. The Lakers knocked down 54.8% of their shots overall and 42.3% of their three-pointers. LeBron James put up 35 points, along with five assists and five boards. Anthony Davis chipped in 34 points, 15 rebounds, and seven assists, and Lonnie Walker nailed four three-balls and finished with 18 points. The lack of depth that the Lakers have is troubling, as they are way too dependent on AD and King James, but that’s the way the roster is built for now. Celtics to win and cover.
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