Golden State's recent wins drew heavily on Curry's scoring and Green's passing, even as its other players supplied useful runs. The Clippers can put pressure on a defense through Garland's drives, Dunn's distribution and separate finishes from the frontcourt and wings. Golden State's offensive rebounds can extend possessions, so the matchup hinges on who ends each defensive stand. The late stretches should turn on a second creator and the rebound after the first miss.
Podziemski, Williams and Melton have shown they can move Golden State's attack, and Lendeborg can turn an offensive rebound into another shot. Across from them, Garland and Dunn can share the first pass, Lopez can stretch the floor, and Hachimura offers another finish when the defense loads up. Curry and Green both played Golden State's last game and are now listed out; Podziemski and Horford played that game and remain part of the available group. Garland and Hachimura played the Clippers' last game, while their other listed absences were already part of that lineup. Golden State's earlier game without Curry and Green still produced points, but it also allowed repeated paint scoring. That's why I'm siding with the Clippers to win through their different creators and a stronger finish to defensive possessions.
