Warriors vs Clippers Game 5 Pick

Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Clippers

Game 5

Tuesday 10:30 pm EST

April 29, 2014

Line: Los Angeles Clippers -6

From the drama on the court, to the distractions off the court, the first round series between the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Clippers is now the focal point of controversy surrounding a franchise’s racist owner.

It has come to a point where it’s difficult to avoid thinking that The Donald Sterling Effect will play a major role in Game 5 and going forward. We saw the protest, the armbands and the black socks in Game 4. We also saw the Clippers performance. Leaving us wondering if the Pacific Division champions will be able to overcome the distraction caused by one of their own. Sterling’s alleged comments have undoubtedly left a black eye on this series and on the NBA, but did it also open doors for the Warriors? If Game 4 is any indication, than the answer is yes.

For most of Sunday’s game, the Clippers were dysfunctional. In the first quarter, they were sloppy with the ball and out of place on defense, falling down 39-19 through the first 11 minutes. Led by Stephen Curry, who hit five straight 3-pointers en route to 17 points in the quarter, the Warriors overwhelmed the Clippers in all facets of the game. Curry and the Warriors performance proved that this team has the star power to not only defeat the Clippers but also to embarrass them too.

Wondering how both teams will perform in Game 5 at the Staples Center will be secondary. How the events of the last few days will impact the atmosphere at the arena will be on the forefront leading up to tip-off. Who knows how many fans will be in attendance? We do know this. If it were up to head coach Mark Jackson, both teams would be playing in front of an empty arena.

Despite Jackson’s plea for a fan boycott of Game 5, thousands of fans will most likely pack the Staples Center Tuesday night, but their hearts and minds might be elsewhere. As sports are a safe-haven for many, basketball is a distraction from the everyday reality that sometimes we need.

10 minutes later, Donald Sterling has ruined that for all of us and especially his team. No matter the talent on the Clippers roster, Sterling’s comment will have a lasting effect on not only these playoffs but also for the future of the franchise.

Game 4 was the Clippers chance to close out the series. Game 5 will be the Warriors chance to take a 3-2 series lead. An opportunity they will not pass up.

My Pick: Golden State Moneyline