La Clippers vs Golden State Warriors Picks and Predictions December 27th 2024

Scuffling Warriors Try to Take Down Solid Clippers

The Los Angeles Clippers host the Golden State Warriors on Friday in Inglewood, Calif., with both teams navigating roster challenges and seeking consistency.

Clippers Eyeing Kawhi Leonard’s Return

The Clippers are inching closer to Kawhi Leonard’s long-awaited season debut. Leonard, sidelined by a chronic knee issue, recently participated in contact practices. Head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized the need for Leonard to go through full practices before he can return to game action.

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Los Angeles has won three of its last four games, including an impressive 114-110 road victory against the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday. Norman Powell led the way with 29 points, shooting 4 of 8 from beyond the arc. James Harden filled the stat sheet with 21 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds, while Ivica Zubac dominated the paint with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and four steals.

“Everybody’s involved,” Lue said of the team’s cohesive approach. “We’re all on the same team and that’s how we treat each other. We win together, we lose together, we make mistakes together. That’s who we are.”

Defense has been a hallmark for the Clippers, who held the Grizzlies to just 20 fourth-quarter points. Memphis, which averages an NBA-best 122.7 points per game, was stifled on its home floor.

“To hold them to 110 on their home floor says a lot about what we’re doing defensively,” Lue added.

Warriors Struggling to Find Momentum

The Warriors, meanwhile, are grappling with a rough stretch, having lost five of their last six games. On Christmas Day, Stephen Curry nearly pulled off a miraculous comeback, scoring eight points in the final 25.7 seconds, including two clutch 3-pointers in the last 12.9 seconds. Despite his heroics, Golden State fell 109-100 to tie the game before ultimately losing.

Curry finished with 38 points in 36 grueling minutes. Andrew Wiggins chipped in 21 points and 12 rebounds.

Before the game, Curry called a players-only meeting to emphasize the urgency of turning the season around. While the Warriors showed fight, they couldn’t secure the win.

“We’re right in that window where we can still regain some momentum for the next however many weeks before the (All-Star) break,” Curry said. “Or else we’re in a situation where we’re chasing down the stretch and nobody wants to be there.”

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr praised the team’s character despite recent struggles. “We had a great vibe early in the season and we’re going through it right now, but I love our guys,” Kerr said. “High-character guys. They care.”

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Key Questions for Friday’s Matchup

While the Clippers may still be without Leonard, their defense and recent performances have been strong. The Warriors, on the other hand, face a potential rest day for Curry, who logged significant minutes on Christmas. Golden State’s ability to step up in Curry’s absence—should he sit—will be crucial.

Both teams are seeking to stabilize their seasons, making this matchup a pivotal moment to build momentum as they eye a strong close to the calendar year.