The New York Knicks continue their West Coast road trip with the first of two games at the Staples Center. On Sunday, the Knicks will face the Los Angeles Clippers, who are currently fourth in the Western Conference.

It’s no secret the Knicks have been a cover machine this season. New York covered 15 of 16 games before a 113-97 loss to Denver as 3.5-point underdogs on Wednesday night. Despite the loss (and the ATS loss), there is still good reason to back the Knicks.

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Game: New York Knicks (37-29, 42-23-1 ATS) at Los Angeles Clippers (44-22, 36-29-1 ATS)

When: 3:30 PM ET, Sunday, May 9, 2021

Where: Staples Center, Los Angeles, California

Current Line: OFF     Total: OFF

TV Coverage: ESPN

Getting Better With Age

New York has the NBA’s best record against the spread - 42-23-1 - but the season didn’t start that way. The Knicks began the season 5-8 overall and 5-8 ATS. By the time they played the Clippers in their first meeting of the season, the Knicks were just 9-11 ATS.

In that first game against L.A., the Knicks were a 9.5-point underdog after looking at the past NBA scores and odds. That was the reality of where New York was at that time. The Clippers won easily 129-115 and, of course, covered the spread.

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The Knicks then started to evolve especially in early April as they transformed into an elite offensive team. One of the big differences is Derrick Rose who, in his last eight games, is scoring 19.5 a game and shooting 59.4 percent from the field. In games with Rose in the lineup, the Knicks are 21-8 straight up.

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Same Old

New York is a completely different team than the one that played the Clippers back on January 31. The Clippers, however, are much the same. They are 12-4 in their last 16 games with a seven-game win streak during that span. 

The combination of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George paired with one of the league’s better defenses is why the Clippers are a favorite to win the Western Conference. The Clippers also lead the NBA in three-point shooting percentage (41.7) and are tenth in the league in scoring.

What is interesting about the Clippers is that they have not covered a point spread in their past five games. They will take on the Lakers on Thursday before facing the Knicks on Sunday. They have beaten the Lakers and covered in both of the games the teams have played this season.

The Clippers will be favored at home but not likely by the 9.5 they were in the earlier game with the Knicks. The spread is more likely to be in the 4.5 to 6.5 range.

With the way New York’s defense plays - the Knicks held two of their four opponents under 100 - and the pace at which the teams play, Sunday’s game should be a low-scoring defensive battle. The Clippers and Knicks are 29th and 30th, respectively, in possessions per game.

The Knicks can keep this one close and add to their ATS wins. Play New York down to +3.5

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