It finally looks like the Nets are too low on petrol after blowout losses to modest Dallas and Toronto on this homestand. Injuries have taken their toll. After holding their own for a good while minus top scorer Cam Thomas, Brooklyn looks like it doesn't have any offense left, flailing in that heavy loss to the Raps when missing 33 of 41 triples. Defensive intensity is waning, too, allowing the Mavs to hit better than 56% from the floor on Monday. Meanwhile, the Clips still have the memory of a flat effort at new Orleans two weeks ago, but efforts since have been superb, winning six of seven (only loss narrowly vs. OKC). Play Clippers.

This line is 22.5 at most books, and I'm fine playing it there too. Kawhi Leonard has scored at least 23 points in seven straight games, shooting at least 50 percent from the field in each. This month he's averaging 25.1 points in 36.8 minutes per game. In the previous meeting with Brooklyn, a Clippers' blowout win, Leonard scored 23 points in 24 minutes. The Nets rank 20th in defensive rating and just gave up 120 points at home to Dallas.

The LA Clippers are surging right now, winners in eight out of their last ten games. They remain in New York City today to take on the Brooklyn Nets, after defeating the Knicks two days ago by thirteen points. Tonight won’t be as embarrassing as when the Clippers trounced the Nets by 59 points on January 15th, but they get the cover. Lay the big number.

Feels like a possible trap for the Clips after a very impressive win at the Knicks on Wednesday and a visit to NBA-best Cleveland up next. Get the W, keep everyone healthy and get out of NYC. The Nets have been hammered in their past two at home but generally have been competitive and I think the past two opponents were just not worth getting worked up about, frankly. The Clippers should be worthy of a full effort -- especially with how the crowd likely taunts former Nets quitters James Harden and Ben Simmons.