Continue Fading the Golden State Warriors on the Road in 2023 - 03/15/2023 NBA Prediction

By Lior Lampert

Photo Credit: Meg Oliphant / Contributor (NBA Getty Images)

Heading into tonight's battle versus the Los Angeles Clippers, the Golden State Warriors possess a 29-7 record at home (second-most home wins in the NBA). Although, the Warriors must also travel and play road games, just like every other team in the NBA. With that being said, Golden State boasts a measly 7-26 record on the road, tied for the second-least road wins in the NBA. For reference, the other three teams with seven or less road wins are listed as follows: San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets and Detroit Pistons. Those three teams are struggling as mightily on the road as Golden State and are the three bottom-dwellers of the league who are competing for the right to draft the likes of arguably the most tantalizing NBA prospect since LeBron James, Victor Wembanyama. .

In addition to the Warriors' road struggles, they're expected to be without the likes of Andrew Wiggins, Andre Iguodala, Ty Jerome and Gary Payton II. As for the Clippers, they will be without Norman Powell and Brandon Boston. Andrew Wiggins continues to miss games while being away from the team for personal reasons and at this moment, there is no timetable for his return. Obviously, Wiggins' role on this team cannot be overstated, as we saw last year during their Finals run. But first and foremost, sending thoughts and prayers to Wiggins and his family.

The road struggles have not only been paramount from a real-life perspective but also from a betting perspective. The Warriors have failed to cover the spread in their last eight road games. Additionally, they are 1-4 in their last five road games against the Clippers.

The Clippers have been an up-and-down team all year, in large part because of the team's inability to stay healthy throughout the season. But for tonight, they are relatively healthy compared to what they have been for most of the season in what is a huge game for with postseason implications for both teams. These two teams are currently tied for the fifth seed in the West and are both currently just one game back of the Phoenix Suns for the fourth seed.

The Warriors would be wise to do everything in their power to receive home court advantage in the postseason and a win tonight would go a long way. Ultimately, I think the team's struggles on the road are not going away (at least for tonight) and that they will have their hands full with this Clippers team. Bet the Clippers to win tonight and be prepared to bet on the Warriors once they return from their road trip.

My Pick: Los Angeles Clippers -2.5 (-110 odds via Caesars Sportsbook)