Every model out there, including SportsLine's, thinks the Clippers win close here. Maybe they do. However, they are playing the fifth game of a long six-game road trip and the front end of a back-to-back -- not that they would dare rest Kawhi Leonard or Paul George on Tuesday in this potential NBA Finals preview. I do believe the Clips will miss the defensive tenacity of Patrick Beverley, who is out injured, on Kyrie Irving. L.A. also could be without starting forward Nic Batum (see news feed story). Yes, the Nets have been historically bad on defense since trading for James Harden (he will play after missing Sunday) but they also have been historically good on offense. Back Brooklyn in what should be an incredibly entertaining game.