NBA: Golden State Warriors vs. LA Clippers Preview, Odds, Prediction

The Golden State Warriors meet the LA Clippers is yet another big Pacific division clash. The two sides are among the biggest favorites for winning the NBA title, with the note that the Warriors sit much higher in the favorites’ list than the Clippers. The team from LA encountered several problems in the recent few matches, the first being a very poor offensive productivity. What is the reason for that, we don’t know, but Tyronn Lue needs to fix it fast. Meanwhile, the Warriors are enjoying one fantastic start of the campaign, which, to be honest, nobody expected.

Preview

Golden State Warriors (17-2, -110) have six wins in a row, some of them against pretty nasty opponents, like the Nets or the Trail Blazers. Though, visiting LA will be an intro for back-to-back clashes against the red-hot Suns, who have 15 victories in a row.

The Dub Nation played the previous three events at home, winning each one by at least a 10-point margin. One by one, the Raptors, 76ers, and the Trail Blazers had to lay down their weapons before Curry and his company.

Steph is now by far the biggest favorite for winning the NBA MVP award, which would be his third. He dropped 32 points against the Blazers, hitting six threes and adding seven boards and eight assists. Andrew Wiggins added 25 buckets, while Draymond Gren had 12 points and assists, each with 8 rebounds. Draymond is among the top candidates for the Defensive Player of the Year honors, we need to mention that as well.

LA Clippers (11-8, +100) won two of the past three, but before that, they lost three in four. It was a hard landing following a streak that saw Lue’s unit triumphing in seven consecutive clashes.

We’ve noticed that the LAC had certain trouble in offense, not surpassing 110 points in the previous seven meetings, which is a bit worrying for a team of their status and potential. Yes, we know that Kawhi isn’t available, but still, look at the numbers in matches prior to these, when Clippers delivered much better productivity.

Reggie Jackson had team-highs in scoring in the past two games, 31 in a loss against Dallas and 21 against the Pistons, both at home. The veteran point guard needs to be better when it comes to organizing because he has only 3.9 assists. Jackson might be a shoot-first guard, but some mild adjustments need to be made.

Head to Head

The Clippers played their first game of the year in San Francisco, losing to the Warriors back then 115-113. George scored 29 points with 11 boards, while Eric Bledsoe added 22. Steph Curry was unstoppable on the other side with 45 points and 10 boards.

Prediction

We usually aren’t this straightforward, but in this case, we will be. The Warriors are better, and they will win this event. GSW’s offense is excellent, and at the moment, we are more than sure that the LAC can’t follow the rival’s pace. Curry is playing in a league on his own, and apart from that, GSW has at least two players who are able to drop 30 points. The Clippers don’t have such potential.

Pick: Warriors -1.5