The Brooklyn Nets (11-23) looked like one of the best teams in the NBA in December with the way that they were dominating their opponents on the defensive side of the floor. January has been a slower for Brooklyn in terms of wins and losses, but they have a chance to begin a new winning streak Friday against the Los Angeles Clippers (13-23) and if you’re wondering how you can watch all the action live, you’ve come to the right place!
The Nets come into this game after a 104-103 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday in which Brooklyn came back from an 18-point deficit to make the game interesting against Paolo Banchero and company. Forward Michael Porter Jr. had another great game with 34 points and five rebounds while rookie guard Egor Demin stepped up in the clutch to finish with 18 points (all in the fourth quarter and overtime), five rebounds, and five assists.
The Clippers enter this matchup following a 123-111 loss at the New York Knicks on Wednesday in which Los Angeles wasn’t able to keep with New York in the second half. Forward Kawhi Leonard led the way for the Clippers with 25 points and four assists while guard James Harden had 23 points and nine assists of his own in what is looking like a disappointing season for Los Angeles.
The Lines, Courtesy Of BetMGM
Notable Injuries
Nets: OUT: Haywood Highsmith (knee), EJ Liddell (knee), Ben Saraf (knee), Tyson Etienne (G League), and Chaney Johnson (G League). PROBABLE: Michael Porter Jr. (knee).
Clippers: OUT: Bradley Beal (hip), Bogdan Bogdanovic (hamstring), Derrick Jones Jr. (knee), and Chris Paul (not with team). QUESTIONABLE: Kawhi Leonard (ankle).
Advice and Prediction
The Nets have had a slow start to 2026 as they have not been as dominant on the defensive end as they were in December, but they have also dealt with some injuries lately. With Porter listed as probable for this matchup due to right knee soreness, there is a possibility that Brooklyn will have to find a way to win without him, but his being listed as probable is at least a good sign for his availability.
The Clippers are an interesting team so far this season as they have superstars in James Harden and Kawhi Leonard, but are still struggling to consistently win games. Los Angeles is dealing with some injuries to Bradley Beal and Bogdan Bogdanovic while also dealing with some unfortunate circumstances such as Chris Paul no longer being with the team.
In terms of defensive rating and in pace, the Nets and Clippers rank towards the bottom of the league in each category, but the offensive side of the floor could be the difference in this matchup. Heading into this game, Brooklyn is one of the worst teams in the league in offensive rating while Los Angeles is middle of the pack in that metric.
Prediction: Clippers 110, Nets 105
This article originally appeared on Nets Wire: Nets vs. Clippers betting preview: Prediction, point spread, odds
Reporting by Sharif Phillips-Keaton, Nets Wire / Nets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
