Boston Celtics vs LA Clippers Picks, Prediction, Odds, and Line Movement for Saturday January 3 2026
The Boston Celtics (21–12) head west to take on the Los Angeles Clippers (12-21) in a matchup featuring two teams trending upward after very different starts to the season. Boston has steadied itself after offseason turnover and life without Jayson Tatum, while Los Angeles is trying to dig out of an early-season hole behind an MVP-level stretch from Kawhi Leonard.
Check out our Celtics vs Clippers prediction for the right side and total in this matchup, but make sure you check out all the rest of our free NBA picks.
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Celtics picking up steam
Boston’s season has been a roller coaster. The Celtics made major offseason moves, trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and they’ve had to navigate the season-long absence of Jayson Tatum. Early inconsistency followed, but Boston appears to have found its footing.
The Celtics have won six of their last seven games and are coming off a convincing 120–106 win over the Kings. On the season, Boston ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and 13th defensively, continuing to show balance on both ends of the floor despite the roster changes.
Over their last seven games, Boston is averaging 120.1 points per game while shooting 37.3% from three, 12th-best in the league over that stretch. They’ve also been one of the hottest ATS teams in the NBA recently, matching the Clippers with a 6–1 record over their last seven games.
Clippers finding momentum after disastrous start
The Los Angeles Clippers entered the season built to win now, but things could not have started much worse. After opening the year 6–21, Los Angeles found itself buried near the bottom of the Western Conference with little margin for error.
To their credit, the Clippers have responded. They’ve won six straight games and are starting to look competitive again, largely due to Kawhi Leonard going nuclear. Leonard is coming off a dominant stretch that includes a 55-point performance against Detroit on December 28 and a 45-point outing in a 118–101 win over Utah on New Year’s Day.
Los Angeles ranks 11th in offensive efficiency but just 21st defensively overall, which is disappointing for a Ty Lue-led team. Recently, things have improved, and over their last seven games, the Clippers are averaging 116.0 points per game and have been lights-out from deep, shooting 40% from three, fifth-best in the NBA during that span.
Celtics vs Clippers Predictions
| # | Handicapper | Profit |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |  The Insiders Room | +1,793.00 |
| 2 |  Tony Karpinski | +1,731.00 |
| 3 |  Jesse Schule | +1,599.00 |
| 4 |  Rob Vinciletti | +1,284.00 |
| 5 |  David Delano | +1,232.00 |
Boston vs Los Angeles Against the Spread Pick:
- Celtics -2.5 (4 units)
Both teams are playing well, but Boston is the better team and every bit as hot as the Clippers are. The Celtics are the more efficient team on both ends of the floor and have proven they can sustain success even without Tatum. While the Clippers’ recent surge is real, much of it has been driven by Kawhi Leonard carrying a massive load, and Boston is better equipped defensively to slow him down than the teams Los Angeles has faced during this streak.
With both teams hot, I’ll side with the more complete and consistent side, and back Boston to cover a short number.
Boston vs Los Angeles Total Pick:
- Over 222.5 ( 4 units)
This sets up well for points. Both teams are 6–1 to the over in their last seven games, and have been on a roll offensively. Boston is averaging over 120 points per game during that stretch, while the Clippers have displayed elite three-point shooting and averaged more than 116 points during the current spell.
With Kawhi Leonard on a roll, and both teams built for a long-distance shootout, the over is the play.
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