Who doesn’t love a good unction? Friday’s preseason finale between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers is like a dog fighting itself in the mirror. Both teams are loaded with talent and burdened with age and injury questions. If healthy, both could be contenders in the Western Conference, but that health is very much in question. Friday’s game will be an example of the knife’s edge they walk on.
The Warriors are set as 4.5-point favorites on DraftKings Sportsbook. They’re priced at -175 on the moneyline, while the Clippers are +145 underdogs. The total for this game is set at 224.5 points. Let’s get into my preview, prediction and pick for this Warriors vs. Clippers preseason game.
Warriors vs. Clippers prediction, preview
The injury bug is already taking a toll on the Warriors, but it’s not all the players you would expect. Moses Moody, a candidate to start, will be out with a calf injury and is doubtful for the season opener. Jimmy Butler is unlikely to play tonight after rolling his ankle at practice. Looks like they’ll have to test their depth out of the gate.
As a precaution, the Clippers will be holding James Harden and Kawhi Leonard out of the preseason finale. With their eye on the opener, head coach Tyronn Lue is taking the cautious approach. But the good news for Los Angeles is that one of its veterans will be making his preseason debut.
Warriors vs. Clippers pick, best bet
The absence of Leonard and Harden does give the Warriors a distinct advantage in star power, even without Butler. But the Clippers have looked exceptional in preseason. They’re loaded top to bottom with strong defenders, led by Ivica Zubac, giving them a significant floor. Bradley Beal and the returning Bogdan Bogdanovic should be able to create enough offensive pressure to give them a shot at the road win.
