It\u2019s win or go home in LA, with two high-profile teams battling to keep their season alive as the Warriors take on the Clippers.<\/p>\n
This is a fascinating matchup. Golden State finally welcome back Steph Curry, while the Clippers appear to have adjusted well to life without James Harden.<\/p>\n
The Warriors will need Curry at his best to advance, while LA\u2019s hopes once again rest on Kawhi Leonard, who has carried the load for much of the season.<\/p>\n
Star players have stepped up in the play-in so far, which makes this line appealing for Curry.<\/p>\n
He has played just four games since returning from injury, averaging 20.3 points, but his per-36 numbers sit at 27.2 as Steve Kerr has managed his minutes.<\/p>\n
Curry had 24 points in just 28 minutes against the Clippers a few days ago. In an elimination game, expect his minutes to push into the mid-30s, which should be enough to clear this line.<\/p>\n
Draymond\u2019s playmaking thrives when the Warriors are at full strength.<\/p>\n
He has only played two games alongside Curry and Porzingis this season but has recorded 6+ assists in both, averaging nine per game.<\/p>\n
His per-36 assist rate sits at 11.3, and he has hit 6+ assists in seven of his last eight games coming into this matchup.<\/p>\n
The same logic applies to Kawhi, but with even more confidence.<\/p>\n
Across his last 19 games, Leonard is averaging 28.1 points and 32.8 points per 36 minutes.<\/p>\n
He has scored 25+ points in 14 of those 19 games, and in a win-or-go-home scenario, expect his usage and minutes to peak.<\/p>\n