Sunday NBA Preview: Warriors vs. Clippers
Contents
The Warriors and Clippers are set to face off in a highly anticipated matchup this Sunday. Both teams are loaded with talent and expected to contend for the NBA title this season.
In this Sunday NBA Preview, we’ll take a look at the Key Players and matchups that will decide this epic battle. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting game!
Introduction
The two best teams in the Western Conference will face off on Sunday when the Golden State Warriors visit the Los Angeles Clippers. The Warriors are coming off a Big Win against the Houston Rockets on Friday, while the Clippers grabbed a victory against the Sacramento Kings on Saturday.
What to watch for: Warriors
The Warriors will be looking to extend their Win Streak to four games when they take on the Clippers on Sunday afternoon. Here are a few things to keep an eye on as the game unfolds:
-Will Stephen Curry be able to continue his red-hot shooting? The two-time MVP is coming off a 49-point performance against the Pelicans in which he made an incredible 10 three-pointers. He’s been on fire lately, averaging 37 points per game over his last five outings.
-Can the Warriors contain Lou Williams? The Clippers’ guard has been one of the most prolific scorers in the league this season, averaging 22 points per game He’s especially dangerous in transition, so Golden State will need to be extra careful with their defensive rebounding.
-What kind of impact will Kevin Durant have? Durant is expected to return after missing the last two games with a sprained ankle He’s obviously one of the best players in the world, but it remains to be seen how he’ll fit into Head Coach Steve Kerr’s rotation now that Curry is playing at such a high level.
What to watch for: Clippers
Kawhi Leonard has been on a tear lately, and the Clippers will need him to continue that trend if they want to take down the Warriors. Leonard is averaging 27.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game this season, and he has been especially impressive over his last 10 games, averaging 32.3 points, 8.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals while shooting 51 percent from the field and 43 percent from three-point range He will likely be matched up against Kevin Durant for much of the game, so Leonard will need to be at the top of his game if the Clippers want to come out on top.
Key matchup
When the Warriors and Clippers square off on Sunday, all eyes will be on the key matchup between Steph Curry and Kawhi Leonard
Both players are perennial All-Stars and have been two of the best players in the league over the past few years. Curry is a sharpshooter who can score from anywhere on the court, while Leonard is a versatile defender who can also score at will.
This will be the first time these two superstars have faced off against each other this season, and it should be a great matchup to watch.
X-factor
In any close game the team that has the best player on the court usually comes out on top. In Sunday’s marquee matchup between the Warriors and Clippers, that player is Kevin Durant The two-time NBA Finals MVP is averaging 28.8 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game this season, and he’s coming off a 28-point performance in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday Night
The Clippers don’t have anyone who can match up with Durant one-on-one, so they’ll need to rely on a team effort to slow him down. That means giving Durant different looks every time he touches the ball and making sure to always have fresh legs on him when he’s on the court. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are both great defenders, but they can’t do it alone.
The Warriors will also need to be aware of Leonard and George, two of the best two-way players in the league. But if they can focus their defense on stopping Leonard and George without letting Durant get loose, they should be able to come out with a win.
Prediction
According to ESPN’s Basketball Power Index the Golden State Warriors have a 92.5 percent chance of defeating the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. The Warriors have won 12 of their last 13 games, while the Clippers have lost five of their last six games.
Conclusion
The Warriors have looked dominant so far this season, but the Clippers are a tough matchup. The Clippers have the size and strength to keep up with the Warriors, and they also have a strong backcourt. This should be a close game but the Warriors are the better team and they should come out on top.