The Golden State Warriors are in a tighter seeding race than the Los Angeles Clippers, who the Warriors host at 10:00 p.m. ET on Tuesday. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t important for either team. The Warriors (43-22) are a half-game behind Memphis for the second spot.
Meanwhile, the Clippers are equidistant from seventh and ninth place. But with Paul George due back later in the season, improving seeding further isn’t out of the question.
The Warriors wrap up a back-to-back and a three games in four days stretch. As mid-March rolls around, Golden State will get reinforcements as Andre Iguodala, Draymond Green, and James Wiseman are all expected back. In the interim, Otto Porter Jr. is questionable due to illness, and Stephen Curry should be rested after sitting Monday.
Golden State seeks a series win in the final of a four-game set. The Warriors won the first two while George was in the lineup, but the Clippers won the latest meeting without George, 119-104. Los Angeles shot 56% from the floor and 44% on 3-pointers in that contest.
The line opened at Warriors -7 with an over/under of 220, which has moved to Warriors -6.5 with an over/under of 222 as of this writing.
Warriors must D-up
Golden State is a title contender because it is above average on offense and has one of the top defenses. The Warriors are fifth in the league, allowing 105.0 points per game. Defensive efficiency is solid, ranking second in opposing field goal percentage (43.9%) and fourth in opposing 3-point percentage at 33.9%.
Both Curry and Klay Thompson sat out Monday’s 131-124 loss to Denver, so they should be rested and ready for Tuesday’s divisional game. The 33-year-old Curry continues to show no signs of letting up, averaging 25.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.2 rebounds per game. Andrew Wiggins, Thompson, and Jordan Poole all score at least 16 points per game.
Clippers should stay strong defensively
After holding the Warriors to 45% shooting and 39% on 3s in their most recent meeting, the Clippers again need a strong defensive performance. And that was in spite of Curry’s 33 points on 8-of-13 3-point shooting.
Los Angeles has the 10th-best defense in the league, allowing 107.5 points per game. The Clippers are better in defensive efficiency, ranking sixth in both field goal percentage (44.6%) and 3-point percentage (33.9%).
Getting it done on the defensive end is impressive without having Kawhi Leonard this year and George as of late. The additions of Robert Covington and Norman Powell will help with both return to the lineup. Covington (personal) is out on Tuesday, as is Powell, who is out indefinitely (foot).
Betting Prediction
Golden State is a strong 26-7 at home with one of the top homecourt advantages in the NBA. The Warriors are also 31-30-4 against the spread and 29-34-2 on over/unders.
Los Angeles is 33-33 against the spread and 31-34-1 on over/unders. The Clippers are also 15-18 on the road.
They’ve shown great resolve leaning on veterans Reggie Jackson, Marcus Morris Sr., and Luke Kennard. Ivica Zubac has been an anchor defensively around the rim, so they have a security blanket to run the Warriors off the 3-point line.
Still, missing George and other vets in a tough road environment gives the edge to Golden State to win and cover -6.5.
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