Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
January 28, 2017
Date & time: Saturday, January 28, 8:30 PM
Venue: Oracle Arena (Oakland)
Head to head record
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors 98-115 (2016/2017 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers 120-75 (2016 pre-season)
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers 114-98 (2015/2016 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors 112-115 (2015/2016 NBA)
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors 117-124 (2015/2016 NBA)
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers prediction
Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers face each other at Oracle Arena in what is expected to be the most entertaining clash of Saturday’s program. The last season’s finalists managed to bounce back from a shocking loss to Miami Heat and they aim to give fans yet another reason for celebration.
Everything goes according to plan
Golden State Warriors won the NBA trophy two seasons ago, but Cleveland Cavaliers proved to be a big catch for Steve Kerr’s team in the 2015/2016 NBA final. Kevin Durant is determined to help Warriors regain the title and the last season’s runners-up are on the right track to clinch top position in the Western Conference. Golden State suffered an upsetting loss to Miami Heat on Monday, but they quickly returned to winning ways. Kevin Durant led Warriors to a 113-103 victory over Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday, but Steve Kerr’s men face a difficult task in the game against Los Angeles Clippers. Anyhow, Golden State are a real force to be reckoned with at home and they are after their 21st win at their Oracle Arena.
David West is sidelined with injury, but he is the only absentee in the home team. Coach Steve Kerr can count on all of his key players for the Los Angeles Clippers team.
Injury worries
Los Angeles Clippers Doc Rivers has been having a number of injury worries this season. Blake Griffin returned to contention following an 18-game absence, but fellow star player Chris Paul is in the recovery room ahead of Saturday’s clash against Golden State Warriors. As expected, Griffin failed to impress on his return, with the power forward scoring only 12 points in the 121-110 loss to Philadelphia 76ers. Los Angeles Clippers occupy fourth position in the Western Conference, but they are level on wins with fifth-placed Utah Jazz. It has been three years since Clippers recorded their last win at Oracle Arena and seeing that CP3 misses the game with injury, I do not believe that away win should be considered. Doc Rivers’ troops have been struggling on the travels this season and you should bear in mind that the team suffered seven defeats in previous nine away games in the league. Anyhow, beating Stephen Curry and Co. at Oracle Arena is easier said than done.
Blake Griffin is fit, but Chris Paul is definitely out of contention with a thumb injury. Brice Johnson misses the match with a back injury, but coach Doc Rivers has no other selection worries.
Interesting facts
- Golden State are after their seventh consecutive win over L.A. Clippers
- Warriors are eyeing their fifth straight win at home
- Clippers conceded 100+ points in eight of their last nine away games
- Kevin Durant has been averaging 26.2 points this season
- Warriors defeated Clippers in last six league encounters at Oracle Arena
Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers betting pick
Golden State Warriors aim to cement top position in the Western Conference. Steve Kerr’s team have been impressive at home of late and considering that Los Angeles Clippers coach Doc Rivers can’t count on key player Chris Paul for Saturday’s showdown, I am tempted to put my money on the hosts this time out.
Pick: Golden State Warriors -14
Odds: -110
