LA Clippers vs Golden State Warriors Predictions, Odds & Picks

• The LA Clippers look to reach the top of the Western Conference with a second straight win over the Warriors.
• The Golden State Warriors sit at .500, looking to break the tie as they seek revenge against the Clippers.
• The Clippers have won four straight in this matchup.

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Clippers vs Warriors Predictions and Picks

The Golden State Warriors have a lot of offensive potential with Curry at the helm, but the stalwart defense of the Clippers is likely to overwhelm them once again.

Picks:

LA Clippers to Win (-195)

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Head-to-Head: Clippers vs Warriors

LA’s Starting Lineup Must Carry the Load

When you have a star pair as talented as Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, it is easy to say that they are the key to victory. The additions of Nicolas Batum and Serge Ibaka to the starting five have been positive for the Clippers.

In their last win, a victory over the Golden State Warriors, the Batum and Ibaka combined for 19 points, 15 rebounds, and two steals. They were a combined +26 on the evening.

Against a shallow Warriors team, Batum and Ibaka are crucial in allowing Leonard and George to not shoulder the entire offensive burden. On nights where Lou Williams struggles, their consistency and veteran savvy is more than welcome with the second unit as well.

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The Warriors Must Get Off to a Stronger Start

While the Warriors were the fresher team in terms of their schedule, they opened their last match against the Clippers as if they were on a back-to-back. Sluggish and without energy, the Warriors saw themselves in a whole early.

Shooting just 6-24 in the first quarter is not good enough to take down a team like the LA Clippers. Despite making up the difference in the second quarter, the Warriors must find early success if they hope to compete later in the match.

All eyes are on Stephen Curry for the boost, as he struggled throughout their last match against the Clippers. Curry posted just 13 points and five assists on 5-17 shooting in their last match. A rate the two-time MVP must improve on if they hope for a victory.

Clippers Key Player: (G) Lou Williams

Lou Williams drops in the 3 to cut the Spurs lead to 1 going into the 4th pic.twitter.com/iKX1T2ggd4

— Main Team (@MainTeamSports) January 6, 2021

Three-time Sixth Man of the Year Lou Williams isn’t having the start to the season that many Clippers faithful were hoping for. The dynamic scoring guard has seen his minutes drop, along with his production.

Williams is looking more passive than ever on the offensive end of the ball, possibly due to new head coach Ty Lue’s system. He is averaging just 9.2 points and 2.9 assists per game, compared to last year’s 18.2 points and 5.6 assists. On the plus side, Williams’ efficiency has improved, shooting 42.7% from the field and 40.9% from three.

The time will come when Williams’ scoring will be needed, so it’d be good to see him find his rhythm with increased volume soon. A less than stellar defensive team in the Warriors could be the spark he needs to get back on track.

Warriors Key Player: (F) Andrew Wiggins

this finish from Andrew Wiggins, SHEESH pic.twitter.com/zq2Lkngs1x

— Chris Montano (@gswchris) January 2, 2021

Former number one overall pick and Canadian International Andrew Wiggins is the first player on the Warriors that you’d look at to replace the contributions of Klay Thompson. While he’s disappointed so far, his last match against the Clippers was surprisingly promising.

Wiggins posted a modest 19 points but it was on a very efficient 66.7% from the field. He only got to the free-throw line once, but his conversion rate was good enough for credit.

After being acquired last year, Wiggins was looked at to become the third star for the Warriors. A long athlete with excellent offensive skills, Wiggins’ potential on the Warriors is through the roof. Being as consistent on the defensive end as has been on the offensive end is crucial to the Warriors success in this game.