LA Clippers set to battle the Golden State Warriors: Betting Preview
A Western Conference battle is set to take place between the LA Clippers and the Golden State Warriors. This is the opening game of the season for Los Angeles, and they’ll want to get a fast start. Last year, the outcome wasn’t quite to the Clippers’ liking after being eliminated in the NBA Finals. Unfortunately for them, they’ll be missing star Small Forward Kawhi Leonard.
The Golden State Warriors opened their season against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. In what was a surprise for some, the Warriors came out and took down the Lakers 121-114. Now they’ll face another Los Angeles team in the Clippers. The difference this time is that the Warriors will be at home and with a win under their belt.
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Who will step up for the Clippers in Kawhi’s absence?
The biggest question right now is how the Clippers can perform without Kawhi Leonard. He’s an integral part of the team and one of the best in the NBA. Without him, they not only lack offensive prowess but the defensive ability as well. Paul George, a player who was paid a lot to come to the Clippers, needs to step up.
George is an incredible basketball player, but he’s also very inconsistent. More than anything else, the Clippers need some consistency out of him. George isn’t the only one who needs to up their game; the entire team needs to as well. They’re playing one of the best teams in the NBA for their opener; the Clippers better be on their A-game.
The Warriors already look as if they’re ready for the Finals
After their first game against the Lakers, the Warriors look ready to take over the Western Conference. Not yet at full-strength, you still can’t argue the efficiency of the Warriors from beyond the arc. Steph Curry notched his 8th career triple-double on Tuesday, and this is all before Klay Thompson comes back.
Their preparation for the Clippers should be similar to how they prepared against the Lakers. The difference this time is that the Warriors come in as 3.5-point favorites per BetUS. Against the Lakers, they were the underdog, which was great for bettors who took them. Even as a narrow favorite, the Warriors seem to be the best bet here.
Let’s take a look at the spread
As mentioned above, the Warriors come in -3.5 per BetUS and Bovada, which isn’t a lot. For those of you that are leaning more towards the Clippers, the best bet would be the +145 Moneyline. However, you have to consider that this is the opening game for the Clippers and on the road. They’re also playing a team that beat a stacked Lakers lineup.
The Warriors covering this game by over three points isn’t much of a stretch. Steph Curry’s shots weren’t falling as they normally do on Tuesday, and he still ended with a triple-double. Considering how they performed against the Lakers, 3.5 shouldn’t be too big of a task. Keep in mind that the Clippers are missing defensive starters. Now let’s make our pick for this one.
Our NBA Pick for Clippers vs. Warriors: Golden State Warriors -3.5
This game could be tight early on, but the Warriors will pull away in the fourth quarter. Their proficiency from beyond the arc is what makes them the best pick here. If the spread was closer to 6.5, we might lean more towards the Clippers.
However, with all the defensive absences (Patrick Beverley, Kawhi Leonard), there’s no one to stop the Warriors. Look for the Warriors to win their home opener and cover the spread by five points.
