The Los Angeles Clippers continue a road back-to-back, facing the Washington Wizards before traveling to Chicago. Kawhi Leonard remains sidelined with left knee soreness and will miss both games, having already been ruled out against Toronto. The team has sent Leonard back to Los Angeles for further treatment.
In their previous outing, the Clippers defeated the Raptors 121–117 in overtime, powered by James Harden’s 31-point performance. Harden scored 16 of those points in the fourth quarter and overtime, while also dishing out 10 assists to guide the comeback win.
The Chicago Bulls, meanwhile, cruised to a 124–102 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Chicago caught fire from beyond the arc, knocking down 20 three-pointers. Coby White led the way with 24 points, hitting a season-high seven triples. The Bulls placed six players in double figures, shot an impressive 52.1% from the field, and recorded a remarkable 41 assists, showcasing excellent ball movement. Nikola Vučević and Jalen Smith both posted double-doubles, though Brooklyn’s absence of leading scorer Porter Jr. played a significant role in the outcome.
In recent weeks, trade rumors surrounding the Clippers have quieted as the team has surged back into the playoff race, winning 12 of its last 14 games. Chicago plays at one of the fastest tempos in the league and shoots slightly above average, relying heavily on ball movement. However, the Bulls generate few free throws and struggle on the offensive glass.
Given the Clippers’ strong defensive efficiency during this stretch—well-suited to counter Chicago’s up-tempo style—backing Los Angeles against the spread remains the preferred option.
Point Spread Recommendation: Bulls to Lose
