An early season marquee matchup between Western Conference powers takes place when the Warriors host the Clippers. Stephen Curry and the Dubs didn’t take too kindly to Clips’ coach Doc Rivers’ claiming they got lucky to win the title last season. It’s not like Golden State needs more motivation against their Pacific Division rivals.
SCHEDULING
Neither team can use travel or back-to-back games as an excuse for this one. The much-anticipated early season matchup between these two powers will be played on even ground. The Clippers finished off a three-game home stand against Phoenix on Monday while the Dubs returned from a quick two-game roadie and hosted the Grizzlies, also on Monday. Travel shouldn’t be a concern for the Clips. It’s only about an hour by charter from Los Angeles to Oakland. So this game should give us an early indication of how closely matched the two clubs are. The Warriors have the best homecourt advantage in the league and that’s worth a few points on the scoreboard. There’s also that little remark made by Rivers saying the Warriors were lucky to win the championship last season. He backtracked after his words were out there, but that’s something you can’t take back and the Warriors will use as locker room fodder.
INJURIES
Warriors forward Andrew Bogut was diagnosed with a concussion during the team’s season opener and was placed in the NBA’s concussion protocol. He missed the two-game road trip to Houston and New Orleans and is questionable to return once the Warriors get back to the Bay Area.
KEY MATCHUP
Blake Griffin has helped the Clippers franchise turn things around since winning the Rookie of the Year award five years ago. He tries to continue his hot start to the new season and says the club is playing with a sense of urgency. Griffin said he and teammates Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan are taking a different approach this season, one in which the team leaders don’t let anything slide. The trio has led by example early in the season. Part of Griffin’s success early has been increased confidence in the midrange jump shots. Another component is a more businesslike demeanor that appears to have rubbed off on Jordan, the former team clown. While Paul and Jordan are arguably top players at their position, there is no discussion about Griffin. He’s always been an underrated passer and with an improved jumper that’s part of his arsenal now, Griffin can be difficult to stop. The Warriors need to combat his effectiveness with either Draymond Green or Harrison Barnes. Green will be hampered on the offensive end by exerting energy to slow Griffin down and Barnes isn’t built to stop him. Griffin went for 40 the last time the team’s played and could easily reach that number again.
ODDS AND PREDICTION
Many of the best players in the NBA will gather at Oracle Arena for this one. The defending champs have shown no signs of a hangover and the Warriors have a great opportunity to show the Clippers that they are still the team to beat in the West. Los Angeles made several moves during the offseason to improve their bench in hopes of keeping up with the Dubs in that area. The Clips have arguably the most talented starting group, but a lack of depth hurt them last season. That area was addressed and we’ll see to what extent. Los Angeles has been tenacious on defense early in the year and that tenacity needs to be in place Wednesday. The Warriors use a magnificent shooting touch to outscore opponents and the backcourt of Curry and Klay Thompson are at it again. Last season’s MVP dropped 53 on the Pelicans Saturday and single-handedly got a win. The Clippers have learned how to not win a championship, but the pieces are in place and this showdown will go a long way toward getting them over the hump in April. There figures to be plenty of points and highlight reel plays, so enjoy this one as the Clippers get the road win with the over being a nice wager.
Los Angeles 122, Golden State 118
BookMaker will be the first sportsbook to send out NBA odds for this game. Gamble on the game between every commercial break with BookMaker’s live betting feature. Along with an adjusted in-game moneyline, you can wager on what will happen on the next play or how many points will be scored in the next half. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Access live betting lines from your mobile device at BookMaker Sportsbook! You can wager on sporting events as they unfold on television with BookMaker’s live betting platform. Real-time spreads, totals, props and moneyline odds are all available by clicking here so start betting with BookMaker today! Bet on the NBA today as the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors square off Wednesday, November 4, 2015, at 10:30 p.m. ET at Oracle Arena. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN.
