PREMIUM
Rogers' Saturday Night ABC SHOWCASE >> Clippers/Bulls!
(NBA) LA Clippers vs. Chicago,
Total: 210.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
Total: 210.50 | -110.00 Under
Result: Loss
The set-up: The 36-24 LA Clippers have not been helped by the return of PG Chris Paul. The All Star PG has averaged 17.3 PPG and 9.5 APG (he averages 17.5 & 9.7 on the year) since returning to the court four games ago from a thumb injury. However, LA is just 1-3 in that span (team has lost four of its last five). There were serious rumors that All-Star Jimmy Butler was about to be dealt before the trade deadline, as it looked as though the Bulls were fading out of playoff contention. However, Chicago has beaten Toronto, Boston, Cleveland and Golden State during a 5-1 surge that has Chicago in a tie for sixth in the East.
LA Clippers: The Clippers lost 112-101 in Milwaukee last night and now make the short trip to Chicago. LA shot 56.3 percent from the floor but turned the ball over 23-times. Griffin (22.2-8.6-5.1) continues to play well, as he's scored at least 20 in 11 of the last 15 contests. However, LA's defensive play has left much to be desired since early in the season (more on that, shortly). Throw in the team's sloppy play (like 23 turnovers last night) and the Clippers are in real danger of falling even further in the West's 'pecking order.' The Clippers are currently the No. 5 seed but are only 1 1/2 games up on OKC, the No. 7 seed.
Chicago: The Bulls didn't move Butler (23.9-6.2-5.1) but they shipped veteran forward Taj Gibson and three-point specialist Doug McDermott to OKC before the trade deadline. The deal has opened up playing time for young Bulls players such as the 6-10 Bobby Portis and the 6-6 Denzel Valentine. Portis has averaged an impressive 12.3 PPG and 6.7 RPG over his last seven and Valentine was averaging 11.0 PPG over his last three, before playing 14 scoreless minutes in Thursday's win over the Warriors. Wade (19.1-4.6-4.0) is also still around, giving Butler a quality veteran sidekick.
The pick: The Chicago Bulls are 15-13 against teams .500 and above, fourth best in the NBA. However, they are 16-17 against teams below .500, which ranks 25th in the NBA. The Bulls are the ONLY team with a winning record against teams .500 and above and a losing record against losing teams (below .500). Figure that one out!! The Clippers have allowed 116.6 PPG in losing four of five and the play here is an 8* on the Over.
LA Clippers: The Clippers lost 112-101 in Milwaukee last night and now make the short trip to Chicago. LA shot 56.3 percent from the floor but turned the ball over 23-times. Griffin (22.2-8.6-5.1) continues to play well, as he's scored at least 20 in 11 of the last 15 contests. However, LA's defensive play has left much to be desired since early in the season (more on that, shortly). Throw in the team's sloppy play (like 23 turnovers last night) and the Clippers are in real danger of falling even further in the West's 'pecking order.' The Clippers are currently the No. 5 seed but are only 1 1/2 games up on OKC, the No. 7 seed.
Chicago: The Bulls didn't move Butler (23.9-6.2-5.1) but they shipped veteran forward Taj Gibson and three-point specialist Doug McDermott to OKC before the trade deadline. The deal has opened up playing time for young Bulls players such as the 6-10 Bobby Portis and the 6-6 Denzel Valentine. Portis has averaged an impressive 12.3 PPG and 6.7 RPG over his last seven and Valentine was averaging 11.0 PPG over his last three, before playing 14 scoreless minutes in Thursday's win over the Warriors. Wade (19.1-4.6-4.0) is also still around, giving Butler a quality veteran sidekick.
The pick: The Chicago Bulls are 15-13 against teams .500 and above, fourth best in the NBA. However, they are 16-17 against teams below .500, which ranks 25th in the NBA. The Bulls are the ONLY team with a winning record against teams .500 and above and a losing record against losing teams (below .500). Figure that one out!! The Clippers have allowed 116.6 PPG in losing four of five and the play here is an 8* on the Over.
