The Golden State Warriors are beginning to gain some early-season momentum. After three straight wins, the Warriors will try to get back over .500 with a win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Golden State will have to do it without their stars tonight. Both Stephen Curry and Draymond Green have been sidelined for this game for the purposes of rest. The younger players on this roster will be asked to step up throughout the year as Steve Kerr attempts to manage the health of his older stars. The Clippers have lost their last four games, with their last defeat coming in Minnesota against the Timberwolves at a score of 127-101. Darius Garland’s 24 points kept the Clippers within 10 points for most of the game until the Timberwolves pulled away in the fourth quarter.
Curry was a big reason the Warriors have found their rhythm in the past week. From scoring 44 points against the Timberwolves to creating space and looking like prime Stephen Curry against Luka Doncic and the Lakers, the Warriors have appreciated the efforts of their 38-year old star. There is a big question mark as to whether the Warriors can continue this forward momentum with Curry sidelined. Without Curry’s perimeter offense, the Warriors look entirely different. We can use last year as a sample size. Curry played 45 games last season, and the Warriors went 24-21 in those games. Without Curry, Golden State had a record of 13-27.
Without Curry present in the lineup, the Warriors lack a go-to scorer. Brandin Podziemski, who averages 16.3 points per game, will likely be asked to run the offense. The Clippers back court should have an advantage for this game. Darius Garland has looked great, averaging 22 points and 6.2 assists. The rookie Keaton Wagler has also had an impressive start to his career, averaging 14.4 points per game. Wagler is still looking for his breakout performance that gains him national recognition. Without Curry, the Clippers should be favored in this matchup to snap their losing streak.
Clippers vs Warriors prediction: LA Clippers +2.5 is available at the time of publishing. Playable to ML +100.
