The Golden State Warriors have been going through the motions for much of the last three months, but they remain the overwhelming favourites to win the NBA championship. They are far more talented than their first round playoff opponents, but the Clippers have been making fools out of those who underestimate them all season.

NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis

There does appear to be a switch the Warriors are capable of turning on once the post-season begins. The club is 16-2 straight up and 11-7 against the spread (ATS) in first round playoff games since 2015. Golden State won three of its four games against the Clippers during the regular season including a 27-point win at Staples Center on Sunday.

Sports Interaction posts the defending champions as the biggest favourites for Game 1 of the playoffs with the Dubs giving 12.5 points at home to the Clippers. Odds are at +2500 for bettors looking to take a crack on LA to win this series. That means a $100 bet would earn you a $2500 payout.

Los Angeles enters the postseason on an ATS slump. The club failed to cover the spread in each of its last four regular season contests. Still, the Clippers are one of the better road bets in the Association. They went 22-17-1 against the number away from the Staples Center.

About 69 percent of bettors are backing the Warriors to cover as 12.5-point faves in Game 1.

LA Clippers

The Clippers aren’t supposed to be here. They traded away arguably their best player, Tobias Harris, at the deadline but they still finished nine games ahead of the ninth-place Sacramento Kings for the final playoff spot in the West.

What LA lacks in superstar talent it makes up for in depth. Two of their most productive players come off the bench in Lou Williams and Montrezl Harrell. The dynamic duo finished first and third on the team in scoring despite both players averaging fewer than 27 minutes per game.

Williams is the most dangerous threat for G-State backers. The former Toronto Raptor is the favourite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award and he is lethal in a spread pick ‘n roll.

Golden State Warriors

DeMarcus Cousins is in his ninth year in the league but this will be his first taste of post-season basketball. The four-time All Star took the way less than his market value to sign with the Warriors on a one-year contract. He, more than any other Warrior, has the most to prove in these playoffs. His demand on the free agent market will skyrocket if he produces in the playoffs and helps the Dubs win a third straight title.

CLIPPERS

Away

115

WARRIORS

Home

125

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Predictions

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