The final leg of the 2016-17 NBA season gets underway tonight as the action on the hardwood resumes after the all-star break with six games on tap. The highlight of the slate pits Western Conference heavyweights and bitter rivals Golden State and the L.A. Clippers against each other at Oracle Arena, where sportsbooks opened the Dubs as 14-point home favorites with a total of 230.
The biggest storyline in this game is the potential return of all-star point guard Chris Paul. Paul, who was initially expected to be sidelined until the middle of March after undergoing surgery to repair a torn thumb ligament in January, was back on the practice court Tuesday and Wednesday and has been medically cleared to play.
Clippers head coach Doc Rivers wouldn’t say if the 31-year-old would see the floor, but we’ll update this article when the decision is made before game time.
Golden State likely won’t reach last season’s 73-9 regular season record, but that’s just fine for Steve Kerr’s group. The Warriors are equally as dominant this time around, as the squad is leading the Association in scoring (118.2 PPG), field-goal percentage (50.1), assists (31), point differential (plus-12.8) and 3-point defensive field-goal percentage (32.5). The Warriors also rank second in defensive field-goal percentage (43.6).
Just how one-sided has this series been of late? In the last nine meetings between the Clips and Warriors, Golden State is a sizzling 9-0 SU.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Those looking to pick the visitors as their prediction to cover in this one found the Los Angeles Clippers listed as 14-point underdogs earlier at Sportsbook. Meanwhile, the OVER/UNDER total betting line for this game was set at 230 at Sportsbook but may have moved since the betting odds opened.
Handicapping models based on recent betting stats and prediction formulas pick a 116-100 win for the Warriors. View the computer score prediction and who will win the pick on the moneyline for all upcoming NBA matchups here.
Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Golden State Warriors sport a record of 47-9 and 28-26-2 ATS heading into this matchup, while the Los Angeles Clippers sit at 35-21 and 29-27 ATS on the NBA season. The OVER/UNDER totals betting records are 25-31 for the Golden State Warriors and 30-26 for the Los Angeles Clippers. Stay Informed: follow us on Twitter for odds specials, betting line moves and Golden State vs Los Angeles injuries news.
The Odds Shark betting Power Rankings have the Golden State Warriors at No. 1 and the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 12 heading into this NBA contest.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Los Angeles Clippers rank No. 17 in the league with 43.66 per game. That compares with Golden State's No. 8 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Golden State is the NBA's No. 3-ranked team at 12.27 per game, while the Los Angeles Clippers rate No. 7 with 10.45 per contest.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
Blake Griffin scored 17 points leading the Clippers to a 99-84 victory over Atlanta at STAPLES Center on Wednesday.
The battle between the Warriors and Kings didn't turn out to be much of a battle at all as Sacramento was handed a 109-86 defeat on Wednesday at Oracle Arena.
Next Betting Matchups
Los Angeles home to San Antonio, Friday, February 24th
Golden State home to Brooklyn, Saturday, February 25th