Clippers vs Warriors Preview: Golden State Can’t be Trusted
Kawhi Leonard Returned to Clippers Lineup on Monday vs. Jazz
The Clippers got off to a slow start this season but have been on the rise over the last few weeks and seem to have hit their stride. When taking a look at our Clippers vs Warriors preview, Golden State opened this game as a six points favorite on the side and a -250 favorite on the Moneyline. Will they be able to cover at home against a surging Clippers team?
The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors are two teams that should be at the top of the Western Conference standings toward the end of the season. That certainly may be the case, but as of right now, only one of those teams is performing up to its potential.
The Warriors have looked uncharacteristically bad this season. They are 8-10 on the year and have struggled away from Chase Center, having only tallied one road win. Thankfully for them, they are welcoming the Clippers into the Bay area on Wednesday.
Game Information
Los Angeles Clippers (11-7) at Golden State (8-10)
Date, time (TV):
Location: Chase Center
No “Big 3” No Win
Our Clippers vs. Warriors preview starts by taking a look at Golden State. They are coming off of a brutal 128-83 loss on the road against the Pelicans. Granted they were missing Steph Curry, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green in that game, so that loss is a little more understandable. Yet, overall the Warriors have struggled to find continuity with their lineups this season and especially with some of their younger players in particular.
While they have looked awful away on the road at times this season, they have looked much better when playing at home. Golden State is ranked in the top 10 in offensive efficiency and is second in defensive efficiency on their home court. They are also 7-1 straight up and 5-3 against the spread at the Chase Center.
That being said, it is going to be a challenge to get their offense going against a Clippers team that owns the top spot in the NBA current standings for defenses on the road. Kawhi Leonard also made his return to the court last week after sitting out the majority of the season for injury management and has already made an impact.
Leonard undoubtedly provides a ton of production offensively, but his presence on the defensive end has been felt in his first few games back. Head coach Ty Lue even said that the Clippers are a different team with Leonard on the court and that he gives the team a sense of calmness when he’s on the floor.
We still think giving six points to one of the top teams in the Western Conference, who just got their top player back, is way too many
Consistency Matters Most
NBA injuries have affected both teams to start the season and they’ll affect the Clippers on Wednesday as Paul George is likely to be out with a knee injury. Despite his absence, when we take a look at the Clippers vs Warriors preview, we still think giving six points to one of the top teams in the Western Conference, who just got their top player back, is way too many. And while you could argue that Klay Thompson finally broke out of his scoring slump with 41 points against the Rockets, he has yet to prove that he can do that consistently this season. Therefore, our best bet is to take the points with the more consistent team – the Clippers.
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