The Clippers felt they let one get away two weeks ago. They have a chance to get it right Thursday. The Warriors used a stirring fourth quarter comeback to knock off the Clips, 112-108, in Oracle Arena on Nov. 4 as part of their undefeated start to the season. The Dubs will try once again to prove who owns the Pacific Division. You can bet on NBA odds at BookMaker.eu every day of the season.
LOOK AHEAD
It figures to be perhaps the toughest week so far for the defending champs. A game Tuesday against the Atlantic Division-leading Raptors preceded the Pacific Division showdown with the team thought by many to give the Dubs a run for the division crown. The Clippers are 5-1 at home and haven’t played since beating the Pistons on Saturday. It’s their longest break after playing 10 games in the season’s first two and a half weeks. Until now, they’ve never had more than two days off between games, which leaves little time to practice or heal injuries. The Clippers came close to knocking off the Warriors in Oakland two weeks ago before succumbing late in a 112-108 decision. It’s a quick turnaround for both teams with the Warriors heading back up north to host the Chicago Bulls on Friday. Chicago was one of just two teams to win at Oracle Arena in the regular season last year. The schedule also tightens for the Clippers, who begin a stretch of three games in four nights with their contest against Golden State. The Clips also head north after Thursday’s game, just a little further than the Warriors. LA is at Portland Friday before returning to Staples to take on the Raptors Sunday.
INJURIES
Klay Thompson sat out Golden State’s win over Brooklyn with a sore back and will likely be ready to play when the Pacific Division rivals meet. His absence against the Nets was a factor in the Warriors needing overtime to beat a team that came into the game with a 1-8 record.
Forward Draymond Green came down with the flu and missed practice earlier in the week, though he would likely try to play.
LA’s starting backcourt of Chris Paul and J.J. Redick has missed the team’s last two games with injuries. Paul is working through a sore groin while Redick hurt his back last week in Dallas. Coach Doc Rivers called on Jamal Crawford and his son Austin to start against Detroit in the Clips last game.
KEY MATCHUP
As his age increases and his minutes decline, LA’s Jamal Crawford has assumed a reduced role this season. Before Saturday, in six November games, he had just one with more than four field goals. He said he was still figuring out exactly how he fits on this season’s team. But his 37 points against Detroit showed he can still be a prolific scorer. Crawford was inserted into the starting lineup with injuries to Paul and Redick, and the veteran didn’t disappoint. While he still plays a major part, his playing time and point production have dropped, largely due to the added depth in the off-season, but Crawford said he didn’t need to prove anything. With Paul and Redick on the mend, even if one or both play against the Warriors, look for Crawford to get a few more minutes. And that extra playing time will result in a more points for the former Sixth Man of the Year. Now is a good time to jump on the over for his point total in a game that figures to have plenty of offense.
ODDS AND PREDICTION
The Warriors should have Thompson and Leandro Barbosa back in the lineup for this NBA matchup, getting them back at close to full strength for the division showdown. The Clippers have some injury concerns as well with their starting backcourt nursing injuries. LA overhauled its bench during the offseason to add depth just for games like this. Crawford and Blake Griffin will need to be on top of their game to upend the Warriors. Add the toughness of DeAndre Jordan down low and the experienced play of veteran Paul Pierce and the Clippers will offset the MVP Stephen Curry and ride the home town fans to a big win over their biggest rivals.
Los Angeles 114, Golden State 107
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