Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
February 22, 2018
Date & Time: Thursday, February 22 @10:30 PM
Venue: Oracle Arena (Oakland)
Head to head record
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers 106-125 (2017/2018 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors 105-121 (2017/2018 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors 113-141 (2017/2018 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors 100-109 (2017 Summer League)
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers 123-113 (2016/2017 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers prediction
Golden State Warriors will be looking to bounce back from a 123-117 loss to Portland Trail Blazers when they welcome Los Angeles Clippers at their Oracle Arena, in what is expected to be one of the most entertaining games of Thursday’s program.
Warriors determined to regain top position
Even though many people expected that Golden State Warriors would finish the regular part of the season in top position in the Western Conference, the title holders are sitting in second position in the standings ahead of the visit of Los Angeles Clippers. Steve Kerr’s men, though, are breathing down Houston Rockets’ neck and a win over Clippers could see them climb to top position. Golden State suffered a shocking 123-117 loss to Portland before the All-Star weekend and, no doubt, they are desperate to get back on course. Kevin Durant, who scored no less than 50 points in the defeat to Blazers, will be the man to watch in the home team, alongside Stephen Curry, who has been averaging 26.6 points per game this season.
Jordan Bell is a major doubt and he will be assessed on the game day, whilst Patrick McCaw is definitely out of contention with a wrist injury. Coach Steve Kerr has no other selection worries.
Back-to-back wins
Los Angeles Clippers quickly bounced back from a 112-98 loss to Philadelphia 76ers, with the team beating the likes of Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics in previous two league games. Doc Rivers’ men have been playing below expectations in the 2017/2018 season, with Chris Paul, who left the club in the summer, being sorely missed. Clippers are fighting hard to secure a top-eight finish, but they will have to be at their sharpest in the remainder of the season if they are to book their place in the play-offs. Doc Rivers’ troops have been producing fine performances on the road of late and that is certainly giving fans a reason for optimism ahead of the trip to Oakland. DeAndre Jordan produced a splendid display in the 129-119 win over Boston Celtics, meaning that Warriors should have him at bay. Anyhow, Los Angeles Clippers face an uphill task in Thursday’s clash against the defending champions and I do not believe that away win should be considered.
Avery Bradley should recover in time to face Golden State, whilst Jawun Evans and Patrick Beverley remain in the treatment room.
Interesting Facts
- Golden State recorded six wins in last seven home games
- Kevin Durant has 26 points per game this season
- Clippers suffered only one loss in previous six away games
- In their last meeting at Oracle Arena Clippers outplayed Warriors (125-106)
- Warriors scored 100+ points in each of their previous 12 home matches
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers betting pick
As previously mentioned, Golden State Warriors aim to overtake Houston Rockets in top position in the Western Conference and they are likely to leave their hearts on the field in Thursday’s showdown. Considering that Steve Kerr’s troops are a real force to be reckoned with at home, I believe that there is a big value in betting on the reigning champions.
Pick: Golden State Warriors –10.5
Odds: -110
