NBA Best Bet - Monday
- Handicapper
- Jim Feist
- League
- NBA
- Competition
- Philadelphia 76ers vs Los Angeles Clippers
- Release Date
- 02/02/2026 03:21 AM
- Event Date
- 02/02/2026 10:10 PM
- Bet Type
- Point Spread
- Pick
-
Los Angeles Clippers -2.5 (-110)
(DraftKings)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- Starting with the matchup math, the market is essentially asking the Clippers to win a nail-biter (most books have them listed around -2.5 to -3), which is a playable “cover lane” when the opponent is shorthanded. Sixers are without Paul George due to league suspension, and Joel Embiid is probable due to managing an ankle injury. That last part still matters because even if he plays, it could limit his minutes, explosiveness, and aggressiveness they play him on both ends (how much they run offense through him).
On a pure basketball matchup basis, Clippers’ identity over their last handful of games has been physicality: control the boards, own the paint, and turn the game into a possessions battle where the opponent has to make shots against a set defense. They did just that to bully Phoenix by 24 (win the rebounding battle 63-35 and score 64 points in the paint), and that kind of interior dominance tends to carry from game-to-game because it’s predicated more on effort, size, and scheme (as opposed to shooting nights). If they bring anywhere close to that kind of rebounding attention again it puts Philly in unfavorable second chance math (disadvantageous to the dog) and limits the Sixers opportunities to go on consecutive scoring bursts you need to come away with an upset on the road.
My last reason to like the Clippers - winning straight up and covering - is that the spread doesn’t require them to be perfect. When betting against a short number, you’re mostly betting that Clippers’ healthier, deeper roster wins the “winning time” moments. Even if Embiid plays they’re missing a top-of-the-rotation wing creator/defender in George and that tends to matter late in games when possessions are tight and you need your second superstar to create offense/get stops. Clippers also have recent form on their side (they’ve found their groove after a slow start to the year) and they’re playing at home. Altogether, the game being close and Clippers’ advantage on the boards/paint combined with Philly’s diminished firepower feels like a recipe for a 4-8 point cover type finish.
Jim's Play: 558. Clippers
