Warriors vs Clippers Game 2 Pick

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Game 2

Monday 10:30 pm EST

April 21, 2014

Line: Los Angeles Clippers -8

48 minutes still needs to be played before the venue shifts to Oracle arena for Game 3, but whether the series is going to be tied at one game apiece, is yet to be seen.

Missing their first eight shots, trailing by 11 points, was not the start Mark Jackson envisioned for his club to begin the playoffs. But as the saying goes, it’s not how you start, but how you finish, and no one from the Bay Area would complain with the outcome. So despite the Warriors early struggles, Golden State managed to hang on to a 109-105 victory.

The good news for the Warriors is the performances of David Lee, who recorded a double-double and Harrison Barnes, who once again played an intrical role providing a spark off the bench by scoring 14 points and grabbing eight rebounds. The bad news, however, was the play of Seth Curry and Klay Thompson, who combined for just 36 points on 13-36 shooting.

Heading into Game 2, you can certainly expect a bounce back performance from Curry, but how will the Clippers respond?

It starts and ends with Chris Paul and Blake Griffin. In order for the Clippers to be successful both superstars must stay on the court. In foul trouble for a good part of the game, the Clippers were able to tread above water by hanging around until Paul and Griffin were on the court in the closing minutes. But even then, it was a costly Paul turnover that doomed the Clippers in Game 1. While Paul still finished with 28 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, if Griffin is only on the court for 19 minutes on Monday night, the Clippers will find themselves scratching their heads, still seeking their first victory of the series. Heading to Oracle down 2-0, would have the Clippers fans saying to themselves, here we go again.

In Game 1, Golden State took full advantage of the lack of minutes that Griffin and Paul were unable to pile up due to early foul trouble. Don’t expect the two superstars to be in foul trouble again.

The outcome of this game will be determined by the play of the superstars. The Warriors were able to pull off the upset with Curry scoring only 14 points. It’s scary to think what the outcome is going to be when he starts to play well.

Bet the Warriors and the points.

My Pick: Warriors +8