Clippers vs Warriors: Predictions, Injuries, Line-Ups and More

The Golden State Warriors are preparing to face the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday. Having gone head-to-head twice this season, each team has one loss against each other. The last matchup (December 2) saw the Clippers win 113-112. Paul George hit the game-winning shot to steal the victory from under GSW’s nose. The Warriors are coming off two consecutive losses, so they will be looking to not repeat their previous six-game losing skid.

But that’s easier said than done, seeing that LA is on a five-game winning streak. Not to mention, the entire team is on the same page when they take the floor, which is hardly the case in Golden State.

Golden State Warriors vs Los Angeles Clippers predictions

The evident answer is that the Clippers are favored to win the next game. There are various reasons for such a prediction. The glaringly obvious factor is the team chemistry (or the lack thereof). The GSW is 10-13 while the Clippers are 13-10 as of now. As mentioned above, after the initial confusion of distributing the overwhelming talents on the roster equally and somewhat sensibly, the entire team seems to have fallen into an organized squad. Leading the franchise in points per game (23.3) is Kawhi Leonard. Ivica Zubac is taking a point in rebounds (9.0) and James Harden in assists (6.8).

Kawhi has been nothing short of spectacular these past few games. Taking the lead in carrying the team forward, he and Paul George are religiously following their part to a T. James Harden has accepted his role off the bench dutifully. Responsible for the second unit with more ball time, Ty Lue has laid down the groundwork for Harden to take off. Being aggressive in driving to the basket and providing assistance to his teammates, the “Beard” is keen on winning his first title.

Injury updates and expected lineups for Warriors-Clippers

The most recent injury reports show the Warriors with an upper hand over the Clippers. But they are also missing a key piece in Draymond Green. Suspended indefinitely for swinging an arm at Jusuf Nurkic, Green seemed to have drained the last ounce of Silver’s patience. Aside from that, Gary Payton II will not be playing for the Dubs. On the other hand, three players from the Clippers have been confirmed to be out for the GSW matchup. Mason Plumlee, Moussa Diabete, and Brandon Boston Jr. are out. 

Read More: Should the Warriors Look To Move Away From Draymond Green, Amid Chris Paul and Klay Thompson Trade Speculation?

The Golden State might just get lucky if Coach Lue decides to sit George out. Even so, their roster has more than enough depth to handle the absence of one star. Then again, one cannot shrug off the Warriors either. As far as the starting lineups go, the Golden State might go with Stephen Curry, Andrew Wiggins, Klay Thompson, Kevon Looney, and Jonathan Kuminga. In the Clippers’ case, if PG13 does decide to not join, their starter might look something like this; Russell Westbrook, Terence Mann, James Harden, Kawhi Leonard, and Ivica Zubac.

Watch This Story: Has Stephen Curry Won His Last Championship With Warriors Amid Serious Concerns Over Draymond Green and Klay Thompson’s Future?

The struggles the Warriors are facing are surely a thorn in their side. Rome wasn’t built in one day and neither were the Golden State Warriors. While the odds are stacked against them, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Splash Brothers make an appearance. After all, the Chris Paul-led young bench has been wreaking havoc on the court. Add Russ to the group and you have a lethal corps.