Steve Starr
- The Brooklyn Nets are 6.5-point home underdogs to the visiting Los Angeles Clippers
- Kevin Durant will likely not return from injury until after next weekend’s NBA All-Star break
- The game tips off from the Barclays Center at 7:30 pm ET on Monday, February 6th
Well, that was quick. Just days after Kyrie Irving demanded a trade, the Nets shipped the perennially-disgruntled point guard off to Dallas on Sunday. Along with some future assets, Brooklyn received point guard Spencer Dinwiddie and 3-and-D guy Dorian Finney-Smith.
Neither player will likely be in the lineup for Monday’s matchup with the Clippers. Before we look at the odds for tonight’s game, check out our guide to betting on the 2023 NBA Finals and our tips for betting on the NBA.
Nets vs Clippers
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Los Angeles Clippers | -6.5 (-110) | Ov 217 (-110) | |
| Brooklyn Nets | +6.5 (-110) | Un 217 (-110) |
Kyrie causing more trouble
Kyrie Irving was having a helluva season, averaging 27.1 points, 5.3 assists and 5.1 rebounds in 40 games. However, he won’t be on the court versus the Clippers. Brooklyn sat the trouble-maker in Saturday’s 125-123 victory over the Wizards and then shipped him to the Mavericks on Sunday. Losing the 30-year-old is a huge blow to the Nets’ title hopes. While Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith are solid players, they won’t move the needle in the postseason like Uncle Drew.
Jacque Vaughn’s club is firmly in the Eastern Conference playoff hunt with a 32-20 record. They’ll likely be without their new additions for this one, as well as missing Kevin Durant. The 13-time All-Star has been on the shelf since January 8th with an MCL sprain.
“It would seem that Wall, Jackson, Covington, and Kennard are the primary trade candidates in a potential Irving deal.”
– @LawMurrayTheNU on the Clippers interest in Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/Axoc8tNMBA
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 5, 2023
Clippers miss out on Irving
Despite suiting up in barely over half of the Nets games (143 of 278) since joining the franchise (and being a constant pain in the ass), the eight-time All-Star apparently drew a lot of interest. In addition to the Mavericks, Miami, Phoenix and the two Los Angeles-based franchises were said to be in the mix.
Brooklyn’s opponents on Monday night, the Clippers, reportedly dangled everything but Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. That didn’t amount to a lot, so the Nets opted for Dallas’ offer of Dinwiddie, Finney-Smith, a 2029 first-round pick, and second-rounders in 2027 and 2029.
Brooklyn vs Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a 6.5-point road favorite over the shorthanded Nets on Monday night with the game’s over/under set at 217 points. Brooklyn is 16-8 in home games while the Clippers are just 16-15 away from home. Kevin Durant led his team to a 15-point victory over LAC in the Staples Center back in November, but he’s not expected back from injury until after next weekend’s All-Star break.
At 30-26, the Clippers currently sit in fourth in the Western Conference. They trail the Sacramento Kings by just 1.5 games in the Pacific Division. Tyronn Lue’s club blew a 21-point lead to the Bucks on Thursday night before rebounding with a 134-128 overtime win over the Knicks on Saturday night.
Paul George
30 Points – 8 Rebounds – 56% FGKawhi Leonard
35 Points – 5 Rebounds – 3 AssistsW. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2xRSPF7L5o
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 5, 2023
Best Bets
Both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard played over 40 minutes on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. So, be sure to check on their playing statuses for tonight’s matchup before placing any wagers. “Load management” is definitely on the table.
Otherwise, if both superstars suit up, we like the Clippers to cover the 6.5 points and the UNDER on 217.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
