On Sunday, 04/13, the Golden State Warriors (47-33)* will host the Los Angeles Clippers (48-32)* in a Western Conference match-up. The Warriors are in a precarious situation at the sixth spot* while the Clippers are a bit more comfortable at the 5th position*. Who will come on top in arguably the most important clash of the season for both teams? Read through the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
(*back-to-back situation)
Huge game
The Warriors come into this game after a thorough win over the Portland Trail Blazers, while the Clippers had a close 1-point win against the Sacramento Kings as they almost botched a big lead. At any rate, the Clippers have at least seized a top-six spot for automatic playoffs qualification, while the Warriors will need to win here to avoid any doubts.
At any rate, the games will determine a lot. As for the season series, the Clippers already have it in the bag with a 3-0 advantage, so they need just a win to book a place in the top six. Meanwhile, the Warriors needed to win two in a row while hoping the Clippers lost their previous one. They also have a chance to enter the top-six if the Nuggets fail to win their remaining games, and if they are equal to either the Grizzlies or Timberwolves, the Dubs proceed to the top six with a season series lead.
At any rate, the Clippers have been a terrific squad since the second week of March and haven’t lost two games in a row since the first week of last month. In that period, they have beaten squads like the Cleveland Cavaliers, the New York Knicks, and the Houston Rockets, showcasing their elite status. LA Clippers look to finish in the top-six, while the Warriors’ season can be determined by a buzzer-beater against them by Harrison Barnes.
Warriors Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Stephen Curry | SG: Brandin Podziemski| SG/SF: Moses Moody | SF: Jimmy Butler | PF/C: Draymond Green
Key Injuries/Updates: To be updated later.
Clippers Expected Starting Lineup
PG: James Harden | SG: Kris Dunn | SF: Kawhi Leonard | PF: Derrick Jones Jr. | C: Ivica Zubac
Key Injuries/Updates: Nothing of significance to report.
The Warriors and the Clippers have played mostly low-scoring affairs, ranging in the 200s. Both teams are well-versed on both ends, The All-Star galore promises a topsy-turvy game with both dry and abundant runs. I believe this game won’t be in the 200s and will most likely bereach the 224 mark at least.
Stephen Curry to make over 5.5 triples: Curry’s three-point makes have dropped from 4.8 to 4.4 per game this season. On the flip side, he has made over 5 a game this month, and I expect him to finish on such a note.
Jonathan Kuminga to score over 14.5 points: The Warriors’ backup Wing has averaged around 12 points per game since his return from injury. He has a bunch of single-digit scoring games, but I believe he will finish on a high note.
James Harden to dish over 10.5 assists: The incredible Floor General has managed over 10 assists per game in April. I believe he will breach the mark here, too.
Bogdan Bogdanovic to score over 15.5 points: The sharpshooting Wing has been on fire in April, averaging 14 PPG this month. I expect him to put up 15+ points here.
The Warriors would be ruing the buzzer-beating loss against the San Antonio Spurs because then they may have created a scenario where they wouldn’t have been dependent on the outcome of this game. Meanwhile, the Clippers can’t put a wrong foot these days and are highly likely to seize a top-six spot. At any rate, I expect the Warriors to come with a lot of fire in a back-to-back and gift the home fans a win to retain a top-six spot.
Safe Spread Pick: Warriors -5.5 for +135 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox- Imagn Images
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