Game Details:
- Matchup: Los Angeles Clippers at Golden State Warriors
- Date: Tuesday, October 28
- Time: 11:00 PM EST
- Venue: Chase Center, San Francisco, CA
- Spread: Clippers -2
- Total: 225.5
Preview
A classic Pacific Division rivalry is renewed as the Los Angeles Clippers travel to the Bay Area to take on the Golden State Warriors. While any matchup between these California rivals promises intrigue, this early-season contest is heavily defined by a lopsided injury report that dramatically impacts the Clippers’ lineup.
The Clippers enter this game significantly shorthanded. According to an SI.com report from October 27, superstar forward Kawhi Leonard is out indefinitely as he recovers from a right knee injury. The injury list doesn’t stop there, as the same report indicates Mo Bamba (knee) and Cam Christie are also out. Additionally, ESPN reports that guard Jordan Miller has been ruled out for Tuesday’s game with a hamstring injury. The absence of Leonard, one of the league’s premier two-way players, forces a heavy burden onto the shoulders of Paul George and James Harden to generate offense and leadership.
On the other side, the Golden State Warriors appear to be the healthier team, with no significant injuries reported for their core players ahead of this matchup. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green expected to be on the floor, the Warriors will look to leverage their established chemistry and potent offense, especially in front of their home crowd at the Chase Center. The Warriors’ ball movement and three-point shooting will be a major test for a Clippers defense missing its top perimeter defender in Leonard.
Key to the Game & Prediction
The entire dynamic of this game hinges on the absence of Kawhi Leonard. The current point spread, which lists the Clippers as 2-point favorites, is surprising given they are on the road without their best player. The Warriors, playing at home with their primary stars healthy, have a clear advantage.
For the Clippers to overcome the odds, they will need heroic performances from both Paul George and James Harden. They must control the tempo and find a way to slow down the Warriors’ high-powered attack without their defensive anchor.
However, the more likely scenario sees the Warriors exploiting this situation. Expect Golden State to play with pace, test the Clippers’ perimeter defense, and feed off the energy of the home crowd. Against a depleted Clippers roster, the Warriors’ experience and offensive firepower should be the deciding factor.
The Pick: The value is squarely on the home team. The Warriors aren’t just in a position to cover the spread; they are in a great spot to win the game outright.
Prediction: Golden State Warriors +2
Total: With Leonard’s efficient 20+ points per game off the board, the Clippers’ offense will likely be less potent. While the Warriors can certainly push the pace, the loss of a major offensive talent makes the under an attractive play.
Prediction: Under 225.5