After fumbling away a huge game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night and losing star guard Jalen Brunson to an injury in the process, the New York Knicks will look to pick up the pieces just 24 hours later against the LA Clippers.
With both defenses in disarray, our Knicks vs Clippers predictions will highlight why the Knicks might find a way to persevere here and turn things around offensively without their lead man.
Let’s dig into some NBA player props and hand out some NBA picks on Friday, March 7.
Knicks vs Clippers prediction
My best bet
Knicks +7 (-110 at bet365)
My analysis
Both of these teams have looked worse for wear defensively, but the Los Angeles Clippers have been undeniably worse in that regard with a brutal defensive rating of 119 in the last two weeks. Norman Powell remains out for this team, as does Ben Simmons who’d been playing well, which will only make playing defense that much harder.
While the New York Knicks have struggled on that end as well, the loss of Jalen Brunson may at least promise some improvements if you’re a believer in the on/off splits. Opponents have shot six points better from the long mid-range in Brinson’s minutes and 3.4 points better from 3, so in theory things certainly won’t get worse without him — at least on defense.
Offensively, yes, Brunson has been the straw that stirs the drink. With that said, LA has been abysmal in defending both the rim and the outside shot in the last two weeks, ranking 30th and 23rd, respectively, and should lend itself to New York’s many role players coming up with contributions. Karl-Anthony Towns has been a usage machine without Brunson and should find a way to score in both areas, Josh Hart should continue scoring at will around the basket, and a team that has forced the issue inside in the last 14 days should be in an excellent position to score.
The Knicks still stand tall as the best 3-point defense in the NBA over that span and should find a way to stop a heavy mid-range attack here with Deuce McBride stepping in to give this team a stronger look on defense, they should also be able to pound the rock inside for points in an attempt to steal one on the road with no rest.
Knicks vs Clippers same-game parlay
Knicks +7
Karl-Anthony Towns 25+ points
Kawhi Leonard Over 22.5 points
We alluded to it earlier, but Towns should have a field day here. Not only will he attack a defense that has had a brutal time slowing opponents at the rim and the arc – where essentially all of Towns’ offense comes from – but he’s also seen the largest bump in Usage Rate on the team with Brunson off the floor and is taking almost two more 3-pointers per 36 minutes in the split.
He went for 31 points in his only game without Brunson this year, which came against a somewhat decent Utah Jazz frontcourt defense, so this one should be well attainable.
On the opposite side, Kawhi Leonard should once again be leaned upon for offense. He’s taken 20 or more shots now in back-to-back games, and as one of the heaviest mid-range shooters in the game, he can hit the Knicks where they’ve been at their weakest. Even if things improve in that zone without Brunson, they’re still allowing a ton of jump-shot attempts inside the arc and should fall victim to Leonard in this kind of form.
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Knicks vs Clippers odds
Knicks vs Clippers live odds
Knicks vs Clippers opening odds
- Spread: New York +3.5 (-110) | Los Angeles -3.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: New York +140 | Los Angeles -165
- Over/Under: Over 224 (-110) | Under 224 (-110)
Odds courtesy of bet365
Knicks vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis
- After this line drifted a bit toward the Knicks, the injury to Brunson sent it flying toward LA by a firm four points.
- The Clippers have taken on just 41% of the bets but 78% of the handle wagered on the spread.
- Similar to the spread, the total came crashing down by four points with the Brunson injury, and after recovering briefly it’s made its way back another three points.
- The Over has accounted for 65% of the tickets but just 11% of the money.
Knicks vs Clippers trend
The LA Clippers have covered the Spread in 20 of their last 26 games at home (+13.40 Units / 47% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Knicks vs. Clippers.
How to watch Knicks vs Clippers
| Location | Intuit Dome, Inglewood, California |
| Date | Friday, 3-7-2025 |
| Tip-off | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | MSG, FanDuel Sports Network-SC |
Knicks vs Clippers latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
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