Golden State Warriors at Los Angeles Clippers
Time: 9:30 PM CT (TNT)
Spread: GSW -7.5
Total: 213
Betting odds c/o Bovada
The Golden State Warriors are 12-0 and rolling over competition this year as Stephen Curry has splashed his way to 33 points per game thus far.
The Warriors are not likely to face as tough resistance from an L.A. Clippers team tonight that will be without both of its starting guards. NBA oddsmakers surely attuned to the lack of Chris Paul have set the line 7.5 points in favor of the Warriors with an over/under of 213.
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This game will be the second half of a double header on TNT, but it might not be that close if Curry is to get going again. He scored 37 in Golden State’s 115-110 home win over the Dallas Mavericks, and the Warriors are aiming to beat the 15-0 start by the 1948-49 Washington Capitals and 1993-94 Houston Rockets.
Golden State won despite being out rebounded and committing 20 turnovers in the game. Curry did not gloat in such a victory, saying “We hold ourselves to a very high standard…we were sloppy on a couple possessions…those are things we need to improve on. Everyone likes to learn those lessons in wins,” he commented.
Curry and the Dubs were outscored in the second half despite leading by 16 at the half. The Warriors have held a plus-10.6 point margin in first halves, and lead the league in offensive efficiency and rank No. 4 defensively.
Draymond Green was not as critical as Paul, saying that he felt the team made the plays “necessary” to win. He said the team must close out games stronger, adding “It never should have gotten to where it got.”
Curry’s scoring average is the highest since Kobe Bryant’s 35.4 point per game year in 2005-06. Curry has hit five or more threes in the last three games and he was 7 of 11 from three-point range on Nov 4 when the Warriors defeated the Clips 102-108. He is shooting 59.5 percent from three in the last 10 games against the Clippers.
The Clippers will be without Paul because he sustained a groin injury in the win over Dallas. He sat out the 101-96 win over Detroit on Saturday. Jamal Crawford is one to seize opportunity, ad he scored 37 when he joined the starting lineup with J.J. Redick fighting back spasms. There is no timetable on Redick’s return.
Pablo Prigioni is the other starting guard and he is just 2 of 16 from the floor this season. Crawford hit 3 of 7 from three point range after going just 3 of 13 in the previous five games, but he said “I never really lose confidence in myself” (nor should any shooter).
All-Star forward Blake Griffin will continue to serve a large role as a point-forward, and he is averaging 26.6 points per game this season on 55.8 percent shooting. The Clippers have four days between games which should allow Paul the rest necessary to comeback strong without the Clips slipping too far without him.
