The NBA betting action goes on Monday, December 20, 2021, with six games around the league, including the Western Conference showdown at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, so we bring you the best Spurs vs. Clippers betting pick along with the latest odds update on Bookmaker Sportsbook

These teams have met just one time this season, with Los Angeles defeating San Antonio on November 16, 106-92. A line has not been set for this contest, which may be of concern as to whether the game will be played at all. San Antonio will be without Zach Collins and Doug McDermott, while the Clippers will be without Marcus Morris, Paul George, and Serge Ibaka.

Spurs Hitting Mediocrity

The San Antonio Spurs (11-18) have been playing rather mediocre basketball since winning four straight games, going 3-5 and never winning more than one game in a row. It has been a struggling defense of late that has allowed at least 121 points in each of the last three contests. San Antonio is 6-4 ATS in their last 10 games.

The Spurs lost to Sacramento on Sunday, 121-114. It was a 10-point surge in the first quarter by the Kings that helped lead the team to victory. Dejounte Murray led San Antonio in scoring with 25 points and added nine assists and seven rebounds. Murray hit 11 of 17 shots as the team shot 49.5% in the field and hit 12 of 13 free throws. However, Sacramento shot 50.5% from the field, including 56.0% from three-point range.

San Antonio is a quality shooting team, fourth in the NBA in field-goal percentage at 46.9%. However, it has been free throws that have been a problem for the Spurs this season. They are 30th in the NBA in free throws per game at 12.8 and 29th in free-throw percentage at 72.4%.

Clippers Look to End Slump

San Antonio is not the only team looking to get out of the slump. Los Angeles (16-14) has lost to straight games, going 4-6 ATS in their last 10. This comes on the heels of a four-game winning streak, but losses to Utah and a stunning upset by Oklahoma City has the Clippers looking to rebound.

The Clippers rally came up just short against the Thunder, as the team fell behind by five in the first quarter and took a one point lead, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander hit the game-winner as the buzzer sounded to give Oklahoma City a 104-103 victory. Rebounds proved to be the big difference in the contest, as Oklahoma City dominated Los Angeles, 55-39. Luke Kennard led the team with 27 points.

Los Angeles is a solid defensive team, sixth in the NBA in points allowed per contest at 104.9. However, they have not been as good on the offensive end, 22nd in scoring at 106.0 and 20th in field-goal percentage at 45.1%.

Trends:

San Antonio:

  • 4-0 ATS in their last four games on the road.
  • 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games.

Los Angeles:

  • 4-9 ATS in their last 13 games.
  • 2-6 ATS in their last eight games at home.

San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers Pick

Without a line in place, this game is a little more difficult to call. Neither team is playing particularly well of late, but Los Angeles is the one in more trouble. They are missing their top scorer (George), and Morris is third in scoring, so his absence is a big one.

San Antonio is getting solid production out of Murray (17.7 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 8.5 apg), and he is the type of player who can take over a contest. Look for him to be the difference in this game as San Antonio pulls out the victory.

Pick: Take San Antonio Spurs

The Total:

No total was set for this contest at the time that this preview was written. The trends are heading in opposite directions for these teams, as San Antonio has gone over in five of their last six games while Los Angeles has gone under in five of their last seven.

Even though San Antonio is struggling defensively, with Morris and George out, I look for the Clippers to have a difficult time scoring in this contest. The key for Los Angeles is trying to keep the score low, so look for a total somewhere around 210.

Pick: Go with the under