Free NBA Pick Timberwolves vs Clippers, 1–19–2017

Minnesota Timberwolves vs Los Angeles Clippers
Tip Off: 10:30am EST
Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
Current Odds: Clippers -2, 205

Documented Handicapper: Jim McDonald

Next man up has become the motto for the Los Angeles Clippers. The casual NBA fan, or bettor, may have looked at the odds and scratched their head trying to understand why the Clippers are just small -2 point home favorites? Let’s recap: All Star PF Blake Griffen went down in late December with a knee injury and is expected to miss up to six weeks of action. All Star PG Chris Paul had surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb and is expected to be sidelined for six-to-eight weeks. Now the Clippers will be without their top 2 scorers for a number of weeks and they must figure out a way to keep the ship steered in the right direction.

Minnesota went on a min-run winning three straight over the Mavericks, Rockets and Thunder but since then they have lost two straight at the hands of the Mavericks and Spurs. Defense has been the main issue with this young Timberwolves team conceding 104PPG and scoring only 103 PPG. The Timberwolves have a roster full of young talent but they are still in need of NBA experience. Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggens and Zach LaVine all average over 20 points per game but this team lacks veteran leadership.

Final Analysis: It may be a tough to match the Timberwolves athleticism and the Clippers are not as good defensively without Chris Paul. However, this team still has DeAndre Jordan, JJ Reddick and Jamal Crawford — all can score when called upon. I still feel the Clippers have the depth needed to win this game without Chris Paul. Long term is a different issue but tonight lay the small chalk at home.

Free NBA Pick Timberwolves vs Clippers: Los Angeles Clippers -2