Golden State Warriors at LA Clippers Betting Preview

We have reached the second half of the 2020-21 NBA season, and most teams will get back in action on either Thursday or Friday. The LA Clippers host the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night in a matchup of Pacific Division rivals.

Golden State lost three straight games before the All-Star Break, and that dropped their record to just 19-18 on the season. The Warriors are in the hunt for a playoff spot in the West, but it will take a great second half to make the field of contenders.

The LA Clippers also lost three straight games before the break, but they are still sitting in third place in the Pacific Division. LA enters this game with a 24-14 record, and they have their sights set on the top overall seed in the Western Conference. 

The LA Clippers are seven-point favorites over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. 

Warriors Struggling to Defend

The offense has always been the biggest story with the Golden State Warriors, but they were always a great defensive team as well. That just has not been the case this season, as the Warriors are allowing nearly 113 points per game.

Rookie center James Wiseman might miss this game due to COVID-19 protocols after he failed to get a COVID-19 test during the break. Golden State is not a very deep team, to begin with, and that could force Steve Kerr to go deep into his bench.

Stephen Curry is averaging 29.7 points per game this season, and he still has the ability to carry the Warriors on the offensive end of the floor. Andrew Wiggins has chipped in with 17.0 points per game, but Golden State still needs more players to step up and score.

Dynamic Duo Leading Clippers

The LA Clippers are led by Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, and these two stars are both having monster seasons. LA is scoring nearly 115 points per game this season while holding opponents to just 109 points per night.

Leonard leads the team with 26.6 points per game, and he has also recorded 1.5 steals per game. George has found his shooting stroke once again and has chipped in with more than 23 points per game. 

The Clippers were not playing their best basketball heading into the break, but this is a team that can turn things around in a hurry. 

Clippers Crush Warriors

The Golden State Warriors have had a decent season, but they don’t have what it takes to beat some of the top teams in the league. Golden State is not a very good defensive team, and that will lead to some major problems on Thursday night.

The LA Clippers are one of the NBA title contenders this season, and they will get off to a strong start in the second half of the year. Do not expect this game to be close for long as the Clippers will take control early.

Bet the LA Clippers -7.0 over the Golden State Warriors.

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