The Los Angeles Clippers will face the Golden State Warriors in a Western Conference battle on Tuesday night. It's time to continue our NBA odds series and make a Clippers-Warriors prediction and pick.
This game could be a preview of a playoff matchup in the West. The Clippers have earned a 34-32 record and the eighth seed in the conference despite dealing with a vast array of injuries. They've won seven of their last nine games, including a couple victories over the Los Angeles Lakers. Golden State hasn't quite had the same success in recent games.The Warriors have lost their last five contests in a shocking skid. Despite those losses, head coach Steve Kerr's team is clinging on to the third seed. This is a huge opportunity for the Warriors to get back on track so they should be pulling out all the stops in this one.
Here are the Clippers-Warriors NBA odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
NBA Odds: Clippers-Warriors Odds
Los Angeles Clippers: +6 (-110)
Golden State Warriors: -6 (-110)
Over: 222.5 (-110)
Under: 222.5 (-110)
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Why The Clippers Could Cover The Spread
As always, Los Angeles will count on their defense to keep things close in this game. The Clippers rank inside the top ten in the league in nearly every important defensive stat, including points per game allowed, shooting percentage allowed, and shooting efficiency allowed. They've allowed more than 111 points only once in their last nine games. This is a truly elite Clippers defense that will get to face a Warriors offense that hasn't been playing all that well lately.
Golden State won't be at full strength here. Starting shooting guard Gary Payton II and forward Otto Porter Jr. are both unlikely to suit up for this contest. Payton's absence will force Jordan Poole into a huge role, while Porter's will highlight the already-existing injuries at forward the Warriors are dealing with. Andre Iguodala and Draymond Green are both dealing with long-term injuries, so Porter is actually a pretty key player for Golden State right now. Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga will be forced to take on huge minutes in this one.
Why The Warriors Could Cover The Spread
The Warriors should also put forth a dominant defensive showing. They've locked up opponents all season long, only allowing 105 points per game while allowing some of the worst shooting percentages in the NBA. This is a tough defense for anyone to deal with, including a terrible Clippers offense. Los Angeles only scores 107 points per game, courtesy of some of the worst shooting percentages in the league. The Clippers do shoot well from three, but the Warriors have been holding opponents to a 33% shooting percentage all season long. Golden State will fare well defensively.
Home court advantage could be the deciding factor in this matchup. The Warriors have been dominant at home for years now, and this season is no different. Golden State is a whopping 26-7 in Chase Center this season, one of the best home records in the entire NBA. They also own a 17-14-2 record against the spread at home. The Clippers are 15-18 on the road, so the venue of this game clearly favors the Warriors.
Final Clippers-Warriors Prediction & Pick
While the Clippers certainly have momentum heading into this contest, they aren't the right pick. With two dominant defenses at play, the under is the best selection on the board. Expect this to be a low-scoring affair throughout.
Final Clippers-Warriors Pick: Under: 222.5 (-110)
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