NBA PREVIEW LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (4-0) at GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (4-0)
Two blazing offenses come to a head Wednesday night as the Clippers head north to take on the Warriors in a battle of unbeatens.
Sportsbook.ag Wednesday NBA Betting Preview
LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS (4-0) at GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS (4-0)
Sportsbook.ag Line: Golden State -7.5, Total: 219.5
Both teams enter this game cruising along at 4-0, with Los Angeles (2-2 ATS) dispatching Phoenix 102-96 on Monday while failing to cover the 9-point spread, and Golden State (4-0 ATS) beating each of its opponents this season by at least 14 points; including demolishing 9-point underdog Memphis 119-69 on Monday.
This series has been tight over the past three seasons with the Warriors holding the slight 8-7 SU and 8-6-1 ATS advantage. But the Clippers are just 1-6 SU and 1-5-1 ATS in their past seven trips to Oakland.
Bettors banking on L.A. to beat the spread on the road can point to the team’s 16-4 ATS in road games over the past two seasons after 2 straight games with 10 or fewer offensive rebounds, and head coach Doc Rivers’ career 152-97 ATS record on the road versus good ball-handling teams (committing 14 or fewer turnovers per game).
Superstar PG Stephen Curry and the Warriors may be attractive to bettors as well, as the team is 27-9 ATS on the heels of a blowout win (by 15+ points) over the past two seasons, and 39-20 ATS after an ATS win in the same time period.
Los Angeles is healthy to start the season, and is facing no significant injuries on its roster, while Golden State will be without F Kevon Looney (hip) indefinitely, and C Andrew Bogut (concussion) is questionable to play Wednesday.
The Clippers’ offense has gotten off to a great start, averaging 107.8 PPG, fifth-best in the NBA. The team has been shooting a hot 48.0% FG (3rd in league), but has struggled to connect on three-point shots (27.7%, sixth-worst in the NBA).
PF Blake Griffin led Los Angeles against Phoenix on Monday, with a double-double of 22 points (53% FG) and 10 rebounds. PG Chris Paul turned in a solid performance as well, connecting on 7-of-15 shots from the field for 17 points and five assists.
SG Jamal Crawford is one to watch in Wednesday’s game, as he performed well against Golden State last season, averaging 24.0 PPG off the bench in a pair of matchups.
The Clippers’ defensive game has been a mixed bag, allowing opponents 99.3 PPG (23rd in league), but limiting shooters to 39.7% FG (7th in NBA) and 31.4% threes (15th in league). C DeAndre Jordan has done his part for the squad, leading the league in both rebounds (54) and blocks (18).
The Warriors’ have dominated on offense in the young season, hanging a league-best average of 119.0 PPG on opponents, and also leading the NBA with a 48.5% FG clip. This includes a sharp-shooting rate from long distance at 41.4% (3rd in league). The team also leads the NBA in defensive rebounds and assists, for good measure.
PG Stephen Curry has gotten off to a blistering start to the season, averaging 37.0 PPG in just 31.8 MPG. He's shooting a ridiculous 60% FG and 49% threes, while leading the league in field goals (50) and three-pointers (21), and contributing 10 steals (2nd in NBA). Curry shot 10-for-16 from the field on Monday, including 4-of-8 from long distance for 30 points, and a trio of rebounds, assists, and steals apiece.
SG Ian Clark made the most of his 12 minutes off the bench, shooting 4-for-4 from the field and 6-for-6 on free throws to contribute 15 points.
Golden State’s defense has allowed 94.0 PPG (19th in league), but has limited opponents to a paltry 38.0% FG and a stingy 25.6% threes (both good for third-best in the NBA).
