Clippers vs. Warriors Point Spread: NBA Odds, Prediction
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Andrew Rogers
The Western Conference standings are as tight as they’ve been at any point this season – and two teams in the mix for top spot will face off Sunday night as the Golden State Warriors host the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors have surged into a three-way tie for top spot in the West with Denver and Oklahoma City on the strength of three wins in four games. The Clippers sit 2 ½ games off the pace, bouncing back from a four-game skid with back-to-back victories.
NBA Point Spread and Betting Analysis
These teams might be just one placing apart in the conference standings, but oddsmakers aren’t giving the visitors much of a chance. And not only has Golden State been a lock to win outright as a double-digit favourite – it has been a sensational cover option, as well, going 9-2 ATS in its past 11 when giving away 10 or more points. But the Clippers are a game foe, having gone 9-3 ATS in their last 12 as double-digit ‘dogs, including three outright victories.
The total for this one is a stratospheric 232.5 – and that might just suit this matchup, with these teams having surpassed the number in eight consecutive head-to-head meetings. And the Clips have been a strong over option of late, with eight straight conversions against teams above .500 on the season. But the Warriors are 5-2 to the under in their last seven and have gone below the total in 20 of their previous 29 games against Western Conference opponents.
LA Clippers
A major dip in production has brought the Clippers back to earth following an incredible start to the season. Los Angeles is averaging 110.9 points per game so far in December – well down from its 115.1 season average. And it has happened despite the Clippers shooting 47.6 percent for the month. So what gives? Primarily, the Clippers have been terrible at taking care of the basketball, with an average turnover margin of -3.7 for the month – the worst in the league.
Golden State Warriors
Who needs Draymond Green? Certainly not the Warriors – at least from a scoring standpoint. The trio of Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and Klay Thompson have guided the ship as expected this month, averaging a combined 72.8 points and more than nine 3-pointers per game. That makes Green’s dampened offensive production (6.8 ppg) a less significant development; he’s helping out in other ways, too, averaging 9.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists in December.
