Golden St. at L.A. Clippers

Time: 9 PM CT (ESPN)

Spread: GSW -10

Total: 231.5

Odds c/o 5dimes

For a 1 versus 8 seed, this has become the most intriguing series of the first round. The Golden State Warriors could, perhaps, again blow a 3-1 lead as it travels to potentially close out the series in Los Angeles. The Clippers won Game 5 as Lou Williams had a phenomenal clutch time performance, but NBA Oddsmakers at 5dimes still favor Golden State by 10-points in Game 6. The Clippers will look to push for a decisive game 7 by winning tonight on its home court. The over/under is set at 231.5 points according to 5dimes, as well, and the game will air at 9 PM (CT) on ESPN.

The Clippers were somewhat expected to capitulate facing a close-out game on the road in Game 5, but it did no such thing. While it took overtime for Los Angeles to finally bury the Dubs, it certainly did so behind Lou Williams’ 33 points on 12 of 19 shooting. Williams was simply on fire, as a multiple-time Sixth Man award winner whose talents simply cannot be overlooked. He comes in as a spark plug, and the Warriors were unable to stop him and the Clips as Los Angeles led by eight at the half and managed to pull off a victory on a Williams’ go-ahead bucket in OT.

The Clippers, simply, we are realizing now, have much more talent than previously assumed. Danilo Gallinari has stepped up after a mediocre regular season, and he finished with 26 points on 9 of 22 shooting in Game 5. Pat Beverley has been dynamite defensively, even against a much-taller Kevin Durant. Beverley also added 17 points and grabbed 14 rebounds (three offensive) while the Clippers held a +3 advantage on the glass. Montrezl Harrell also is in the Sixth Man of the year conversations, as the Clippers clearly possess one of the best benches in the postseason. Harrell finished with 24 points, five rebounds, and two assists in his 27 minutes of play while shooting 11 of 14 from the field on his array of finishes and dunks.

The Warriors host just 44 percent from the field in Game 5, though it did limit its turnovers to only eight. Steph Curry and Klay Thompson combined for 46 points on collective 16 of 35 shooting, and Kevin Durant was efficient and awesome as he shot 14 of 26 en route to a game-high 45 points. Yet, despite its top three offensive performers all coming through, it still was not enough for the Dubs to beat an 8 seed. Even if Golden State advances tonight, this series should raise numerous flags about Golden State’s ability to repeat as champs.

All the teams in the West have improved, and Golden State’s biggest improvement was adding DeMarcus Cousins who is now out for the remainder of the season. 57 percent of bettors at Covers are betting the Clips to cover the seemingly large 10-point spread.

ATS TRENDS (C/o Covers):