Clippers vs Celtics NBA Pick: Can LA Make It Seven Straight? (Jan 3)

Published Jan 2, 2:23pm ET by

James Tillman - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer

Last updated Jan 2, 2:23pm ET

Pick status
Clippers look to stay hot when they host the Celtics on Saturday night.

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Updated Jan 2, 2:42pm ET

  • The Clippers improved to 12-21 after a 118-101 win over the Utah Jazz.
  • Meanwhile, Boston defeated the Sacramento Kings 120-106 in its last outing.
  • These teams previously squared off on Nov. 16, with the Celtics claiming a 121-118 victory.

One of the games on Saturday's NBA slate features the LA Clippers hosting the Boston Celtics. Who has the edge in our Clippers vs Celtics pick?

LA Clippers vs. Boston Celtics Overview Watch On: NBCS-BOS, FDSSC, and NBA TV

DATE & TIME

SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 2026 @ 10:30PM ET
LA Clippers
Intuit Dome
Inglewood, CA
Boston Celtics

Surging Clippers Seek Seventh Straight Win

Following five straight losses, Los Angeles has responded with six consecutive wins. This includes a 118-101 victory against the Utah Jazz.

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The Clippers raced out to a 28-7 lead. However, Utah trimmed the deficit to one point heading into the final frame.

But thanks in part to Kawhi Leonard, who scored 20 points in the fourth quarter, Los Angeles pulled away down the stretch en route to a 17-point win.

Leonard was one of four players who reached double figures. He finished with 45 points, three rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

James Harden added 20 points and seven assists. Nicolas Batum led the bench unit with 14 points on 4-for-6 shooting from beyond the arc.

Boston Aiming For Third Consecutive Victory

After suffering a 114-108 setback against Portland, the Celtics enter this matchup riding a two-game win streak. Their latest triumph was a 120-106 victory against the Sacramento Kings.

The teams battled to an 88-88 tie entering the fourth quarter. But thanks to a crucial 11-2 surge late in the period, Boston went on to win the game by double digits.

Jaylen Brown guided the offense with 29 points, along with 10 rebounds and four assists. Both Derrick White and Payton Pritchard added 16 points each.

Clippers vs Celtics NBA Pick

Here's a look at what you need to know for both teams ahead of this contest.

  • The Clippers are 6-0 straight-up (SU) in their last six games.
  • LA is 6-0 ATS in its previous six outings.
  • The Celtics are 6-1 in their last seven contests.
  • Boston is 13-4 ATS in its previous 17 matchups.

The Cs have won five of the six previous meetings in the series and are 7-0 in their last seven matchup against Pacific Division opponents. With that in mind, the edge goes to the road team.

Pick
Boston Celtics
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