Game Details:

Matchup: Los Angeles Clippers vs. New York Knicks

Date & Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2025 | 7:30 PM ET

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Betting Line: Clippers -3.5 | Over/Under: 225.5

Key Storylines

Clippers Eyeing Strong Playoff Seeding

The Clippers are in the thick of the Western Conference playoff race, and every game counts as they look to secure home-court advantage in the first round. Behind the dynamic duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they have been a force to reckon with, boasting one of the best defensive ratings in the NBA.

Knicks Battling Without Key Players

The Knicks have had their fair share of injury woes, most notably with Julius Randle missing time due to a lingering shoulder issue. Jalen Brunson has been carrying the offensive load, but the team will need strong performances from RJ Barrett and Mitchell Robinson to keep up with the Clippers.

Defensive Battle Looming

Both squads rank among the top defensive teams in the league, with the Knicks emphasizing tough perimeter defense while the Clippers disrupt passing lanes and contest shots at an elite level. This could be a lower-scoring affair if both teams execute their defensive game plans.

Injury Report

Los Angeles Clippers:

Out: Russell Westbrook (hand), Terance Mann (ankle)

Questionable: Norman Powell (knee)

New York Knicks:

Out: Julius Randle (shoulder), OG Anunoby (elbow)

Questionable: Mitchell Robinson (ankle)

Betting Trends

Against the Spread (ATS):

Clippers: 38-28 ATS this season

Knicks: 34-31 ATS this season

Over/Under Trends:

The total has gone under in 36 of the Clippers’ 66 games.

The total has gone under in 39 of the Knicks’ 65 games.

Knicks’ Home Strength:

New York is 23-12 at home this season, making them a tough opponent at Madison Square Garden.

Player Prop to Watch

Jalen Brunson (Knicks) – Points Total: 25.5

Brunson has been the primary scorer for the Knicks in Randle’s absence. With a tough Clippers defense to navigate, the under on his points prop could be a viable option.

Kawhi Leonard (Clippers) – Steals Total: 1.5

Leonard’s defensive prowess will be crucial against Brunson and Barrett. Betting the over on his steals prop could be worth a look.

Prediction & Best Bets

Spread: Clippers -3.5 → Given their depth and experience, the Clippers should cover the spread.

Total: Under 225.5 → With both teams emphasizing defense, this could be a slow-paced game.

Player Prop: Kawhi Leonard Over 1.5 steals → Expect a defensive impact from Leonard.

This game should be highly competitive, with both sides fighting for crucial seeding positions. The Clippers’ veteran leadership gives them an edge on the road, but the Knicks’ defensive tenacity makes this a grind-it-out matchup.

Final Score Prediction: Clippers 108, Knicks 102