LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors Prediction & Betting Tips - NBA

Prediction published on 14/12/2023, 06:40  by Devesh Jaganath in NBA Predictions

The Golden State Warriors (10-13 and 11th in the Western Conference) are set to continue their road trip as they face off against the Los Angeles Clippers (13-10 and eighth in the Western Conference) on Thursday. In the two previous matchups between these teams this season, each team has secured one victory apiece. 

The Los Angeles Clippers seem to have found top gear of late. Since their November loss to this opponent with a score of 120-114, they have gone on a five-match winning streak coming into this one. That run also included a 113-112 home victory over the Warriors on December 2. Their last match ended in a convincing 119-99 win against the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, with Kawhi Leonard leading the team with 31 points on an impressive 11-for-14 shooting from the field. The Clippers' strength has undoubtedly been in their defense, allowing just 109.3 points per game, ranking fifth in the league. In their last ten games, the Clippers boast a 7-3 record and are averaging 115.4 points, 44.0 rebounds, 25.3 assists, 6.6 steals, and 6.4 blocks per game. For the upcoming match, the hosts will be without Mason Plumlee, while Paul George's participation is in doubt.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors come into this one hoping to snap up a two-game losing streak. Following a 110-106 home victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on December 6, the Warriors faced back-to-back losses, first falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder 138-136 in overtime and then losing to the Phoenix Suns 119-116.  In the latter game, Draymond Green's ejection in the third quarter and a 12-0 run by the Suns in the fourth proved too much for the Warriors to come back from. Despite a 24-point performance from Steph Curry, the rest of the starting lineup contributed a meager 12 points. Defensively, the Warriors have struggled this season, allowing an average of 115.3 points per game, ranking 20th, with a defensive rating of 114.5, placing them 17th. Offensively, they have a rating of 114.8 (15th) and average 115.6 points per game (11th). Over their last ten games, the Warriors have averaged 119.4 points, 47.8 rebounds, 28.4 assists, 5.6 steals, and 3.0 blocks per game. Gary Payton is absent for this one, and there is uncertainty regarding Draymond Green's availability, with the possibility of a further suspension.