NBA Basketball
2011-12-25 - LA Clippers at Golden State
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
United States: NBA Basketball
Sunday 25 December 2011 - Tip Off 10:30pm ET
3:30am (British Standard Time)
Preview
It has probably been one of the most exciting pre-seasons for LA Clippers in... Well ever!! For a team that has had to share a building with the accomplished LA Lakers, the Clippers have always been one of the whipping boys of the NBA, although there were signs of change last year which have now become flashing neon lights.
Blake Griffin was a revelation in his first season with the Clippers (he was injured throughout his official first season) although he couldn't quite lead the team to the Play Offs. However, the Clippers were given some real belief that they had a player on who they could build a successful franchise.
However, expectations have gone through the roof in the pre-season as the Clippers managed to eclipse the Lakers, and some of the other bigger teams in the NBA, by trading for Chris Paul. Paul is one of the best Point Guards in the entire League, possibly even THE best, and he has made the Clippers a real factor in the Western Conference, although one that is still a season or two away from being a contender.
Chauncey Billups was also signed to add veteran presence to the team, while Caron Butler is another very smart addition to the roster. With the Western Conference not as strong as it has been in recent seasons, it is clear the Clippers could cause plenty of problems for teams, particular if their pre-season performance in beating the Lakers twice can be transferred into the regular season.
Golden State have regularly been one of the toughest teams to visit, but this could be a good spot for the Clippers as the Warriors have not really improved as a team and will be missing their best player.
There were high hopes that Golden State would be able to bring in some big name players with the cap space they have, but that has failed to materialise and this is not expected to be a stellar season for them. The Warriors are not being tipped to make it to the Play Offs from the Western Conference and could have a tough time containing a powerful looking Clippers offense.
To make matters tougher, Stephen Curry will be missing for the Warriors. While they can still rely on the inconsistent Monta Ellis, this could be tough for the Warriors to overcome as they look to keep pace with the Clippers. Golden State are usually a very high-scoring team, but I feel the absence of Curry will be telling.
Head to Head
Golden State are 6-3 against the spread in the last 9 games in the series.
In fact, the home team is 18-7-1 against the spread in the last 26 games in the series.
Other Interesting Trends
Golden State are 36-13-3 against the spread in their last 52 games as the home underdog of between 5 and 10.5 points.
LA Clippers are 6-1 against the spread in their last 7 games as the road favourite of between 5 and 10.5 points.
However, they are just 2-7-1 against the spread in their last 10 games as the road favourite.
Prediction
I am going to back the LA Clippers to get their season off to a fast start for the following reasons:
First, I am really excited by the starting team the Clippers will be putting out and I think they will be very hard to stop, especially by a defence like Golden State that has regularly been in the lower extremities of the points per game allowed.
Second, I also feel it will be hard for the Warriors to keep up without the services of Stephen Curry.
The Pick :
Golden State 95-105 LA Clippers
FIXED ODDS BETTING TIP :
I'll back the LA Clippers -5 Points @ 2.00
