Clippers vs Warriors Picks and Odds

• The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors matchup on January 6th, 2021
• Golden State has bounced back from a poor start to the season thanks to some spectacular performances from Steph Curry
• Get the latest odds, betting preview, and a pick below

The Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors face-off on January 6th, 2021. In what is Wednesday’s headline game, Golden State is five-point underdogs despite winning both games of a back-to-back on Sunday and Monday.

Draymond Green’s return has had a major impact on Golden State at both ends. Kelly Oubre has started to hit shots, too. For LA, Paul George has begun the season extremely well after a difficult time in the Orlando bubble.

Los Angeles Clippers vs Golden State Warriors Odds

Odds taken Jan. 6 at FanDuel

Curry Goes Off

Steph Curry scored 62 as the Warriors beat the Blazers. His 30 the following night in the win over Sacramento was unspectacular by comparison, but importantly for Steve Kerr, Golden State was able to blow out the Kings without Curry going supernova. Kelly Oubre broke out of a historic shooting slump, James Wiseman was throwing down lobs and Eric Paschall was aggressive off-the-dribble as a small-ball five.

Unable to get going in the opening games, Curry’s pick-and-roll chemistry with Wiseman has developed quickly. Draymond Green gives the Warriors a second playmaker in their starting line-up and allows Curry to operate off-ball more frequently. There were a couple of trademark Curry-Green give-and-goes in the win over Sacramento.

The two-time MVP is averaging a career-high 21.3 field goal attempts per game on the season. His eight free throws per contest is a career-high, too. Golden State needs that high usage to continue. Getting to the line with such frequency is huge for Curry, who relentlessly attacked the basket in his 62-point masterpiece. Similar willingness to drive will result in foul trouble for the Clips.

Uncertainty Over Clippers

Kawhi Leonard hasn’t played a back-to-back as a Clipper. The fact he played on Tuesday presumably rules him out of this one. Paul George sat out Tuesday’s game with an ankle problem – will the Clips rush George back? The Clippers have been spectacular when both of their stars have played. They are unlikely to have both and might not have either for this matchup with Golden State. Marcus Morris’ availability remains a mystery too – the former Celtic isn’t expected to play on Wednesday.

The Clips fell to the Spurs in the first game of this back-to-back. They had multiple opportunities to take the game late on but were unable to do so. The loss leaves them 5-3 on the season, good for the third-best record in the West.

Battled to the buzzer. pic.twitter.com/aamFzKAngF

— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 6, 2021

Ty Lue could be dependent on a big night from Lou Williams. Williams has a nice record against the Warriors, averaging 26 per night. Ivica Zubac, now coming off the bench, is a player to look out for, too. He will have a considerable size advantage for most of his minutes with Kevon Looney or Eric Paschall manning center when Wiseman sits.

Back The Warriors

Golden State is a different team with Green. Curry is shooting almost 14% better from the field and over 15% better from three when Green is on the floor. Oubre and Andrew Wiggins’ woeful performances against the Bucks and Nets were concerning, but they have bounced back. Wiseman is already an impactful NBA player.

Playing three games in four days is tough, and that’s what the Warriors face. On the second night of a back-to-back, though, and likely without at least one of their stars, this is a difficult game for the Clippers, too.

Draymond Green's scored six total points in three games yet completely changed the early vibe and direction of this Warriors' season.

— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) January 5, 2021

The Clips’ depth is weaker this season. Luke Kennard is still finding his role on the team, and they are having to give considerable minutes to Patrick Patterson. Their defense is yet to live up to reputation – they are 24th in defensive rating so far.

Golden State to make it three wins in a row is a really good bet at that price. They are a +19.1 with Green on the floor – his impact cannot be overstated at both ends.

Pick: Golden State Warriors Moneyline (+176)