Boston Celtics vs L.a. Clippers Clippers Picks and Predictions November 25th 2024

Winning Streaks Collide as Clippers Visit Celtics

The NBA’s two hottest teams clash Monday night when the Boston Celtics host the Los Angeles Clippers. Both teams enter the game riding five-game winning streaks, and the winner will claim the league’s longest active streak.

This matchup comes on the second night of a back-to-back for both squads.

Celtics Edge Timberwolves to Keep Momentum Alive

The Celtics extended their winning streak Sunday with a nail-biting 107-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Jaylen Brown delivered a standout performance, scoring 29 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. Brown opened the game red-hot, scoring Boston’s first 15 points on five 3-pointers.

“I haven’t shot the ball to start off the season as well as I would have liked,” Brown said. “I feel like I’m due for a lot of makes. I feel like my shots were good. I feel like I’m a great shooter, but also feel like I’m great at other things as well — getting to the basket, getting to the paint, drawing opportunities for my guys. So it’s just a balance. It’s a long season, and I’m just focused on trying to rack up wins.”

Brown also shone on the defensive end, guarding Minnesota star Anthony Edwards on the game’s final possession and forcing a contested shot to secure the win.

“When your best players are some of your best defenders, it can kind of set the tone for your team in the locker room defensively,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “He takes pride in individual matchups, and he did a great job defensively.”

The Celtics may be shorthanded for Monday’s game. Center Luke Kornet missed Sunday’s contest with a hamstring injury, and veteran Al Horford, who often rests in back-to-back games, is unlikely to play.

Clippers Roll Over 76ers to Stay Hot

The Clippers cruised to their fifth consecutive victory Sunday night with a dominant 125-99 win over the Philadelphia 76ers. James Harden led Los Angeles with 23 points and eight assists, while Ivica Zubac posted a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

“We run plays for him just to try and get him touches and establish Zu on the low block,” Clippers coach Tyronn Lue said of Zubac. “When he’s the anchor of your defense you gotta keep him happy. Having him block shots, having him blitzing pick and rolls, having him be the anchor and talking on the back side, you have to reward him with some touches, and so we’ve been able to do that.”

Defense has been the Clippers’ calling card during their streak. They’ve held each of their last four opponents — Golden State, Orlando, Sacramento, and Philadelphia — under 100 points. The team is undefeated this season (6-0) when limiting opponents to fewer than 100 points.

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“Right now, we’re just working hard, playing together, trying to do the right things on the floor, and right now it’s paying off,” said guard Kris Dunn.

Los Angeles is likely to remain without Norman Powell, who missed his third straight game Sunday due to a hamstring injury. Powell leads the Clippers in scoring, averaging 23.3 points per game.

Key Matchup: Boston’s Offense vs. Clippers’ Defense

The Celtics, powered by the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, boast one of the NBA’s top offenses. Meanwhile, the Clippers’ defense has been smothering opponents throughout their winning streak.

With both teams playing on consecutive nights, depth and execution will be critical in what promises to be a competitive battle between two of the league’s elite squads.