San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Clippers: 3 Best Bets

Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs will face off against the Los Angeles Clippers and Kawhi Leonard at the Crypto.com Arena tonight. Tipoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. CT.

Both teams are looking to climb to 2-1 and get a chance to do so after an off day, so fatigue won’t be an issue, especially this early in the season.

Wembanyama is yet to match up against Leonard, arguably the last great Spur before his exit in 2018. While there isn’t a rivalry between the two like Wemby appears to have with the Rockets, it could be a passing-of-the-torch moment, or it could signal the definite end of the post-Kawhi era and usher in the Wembanyama decade (or more!).

While all eyes have been on Wembanyama so far this season, Paul George is the man to watch in Los Angeles. The All-Star has averaged 31.5 points in two games and is shooting well from the floor. Jeremy Sochan and Devin Vassell’s defense will be a major factor in determining a winner.

Terance Man is the only player listed out for the game with an ankle injury, and Devonte’ Graham is slated to make his debut for the healthy Spurs after serving a two-game suspension. With that out of the way, let’s look at the betting odds courtesy of SI Sportsbook.

The Lines

Point Spread: Clippers (+8.5)/Spurs (-8.5)

Money Line: Clippers (-400)/Spurs (+290)

Over/Under: 228.5

Our Picks

Safest pick: Victor Wembanyama OVER 17.5 points (-118)

Wembanyama has tried to take over the Spurs offense in both games so far in the fourth quarter, and he succeeded in the latest win against the Houston Rockets. He is averaging 18 points per game and the Clippers don’t really have an answer for his size. That being said, 22 of his 36 points this season have come in the fourth quarter or OT, so betters might be sweating late into the game.

Opponent pick: Russell Westbrook UNDER 12.5 points (-110)

It’s become a staple in the NBA community to clown on Russell Westbrook, but the two-time scoring champ has slowed down. Plus, the size the Spurs have means driving will be less of an option, so Westbrook will have to shoot more threes, which have never been his strong suit. On top of all that, Tre Jones is a brick wall on defense.

Risky pick: Zach Collins OVER 3.5 assists (-137)

Collins has averaged 5.5 assists over two games and actually led the Spurs with eight against Houston. However, the Clippers will be playing top-tier defense on the wings, so Keldon Johnson and Devin Vassell won’t get their usual open looks, meaning fewer chances for Collins to rack up dimes.

The Spurs are expected to lose, and for good reason. The Clippers still have two top-15 players in the league, and this could be LA’s last chance at their long-elusive title with this core. Load management has been the Clippers’ MO in the past, but expect Tyronn Lue to demand the most from his players.