The rotation change after halftime is the key to this matchup. The Clippers have a way to attack the paint through their guards and center rotation as Golden State moves into smaller reserve combinations. That is the matchup I’m backing with this slip.
Steve Kerr plans to use Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Al Horford only in the first half, with each playing roughly 12–16 minutes. Golden State will also give its available roster a broad look. That takes away three players who organize the offense, space the floor and direct the defense together.
The Clippers have practiced with Isaiah Jackson in the first group and Brook Lopez in the second, with Darius Garland running the offense. That setup offers a route to interior possessions against the Warriors’ smaller groups. Kerr has specifically acknowledged the lack of rim protection when Georges Niang plays center; combining that with the Clippers’ projected roles is what makes the matchup interesting. [Clippers camp roles](https://infanitytv.com/clippers-game-day-warriors-honolulu-kobe-sanders-out-beal-sits-isaiah-jackson-start/), [Golden State’s reserve combinations](https://www.nbcsportsbayarea.com/nba/golden-state-warriors/training-camp-takeaways-day-4-georges-niang-brandon-williams/1968325/).
