Warriors vs Clippers NBA Play-in Tournament Picks April 15th

Warriors vs Clippers NBA Play-in Tournament Picks April 15th

The Western Conference Play-In Tournament features the Golden State Warriors playing the Los Angeles Clippers, once again at Intuit Dome (10:00 PM ET, Prime Video). It’s a win-or-go-home battle between the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds, with the winner advancing for a shot at the eighth seed.

These teams just met on Sunday, with the Clippers earning a 115-110 win to lock in home court. That result continued a dominant stretch for Los Angeles. Still, with Steph Curry back and the Warriors facing elimination, this sets up as a far more competitive contest.

Warriors vs Clippers Predictions

Pick #1: Golden State Warriors +6 over LA Clippers (-115)

Pick #2: Over 221.5 (-110)

Pick #3: Stephen Curry over 4.5 threes made (+125) 

PICK #1: Warriors +6 over Clippers (-115)

The Clippers have won nine straight home games against Golden State and took all three meetings this calendar year. They’re deeper, healthier and more balanced, especially with Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup.

That said, this is a different betting scenario.

Backing the Warriors here is less about trusting the roster and more about trusting the moment. Curry has already shown flashes since returning from injury, shooting over 40% from deep across his last four games. In a single-elimination setting, he’s one of the few players in the league capable of dragging an undermanned team into a tight finish.

Golden State’s flaws are real: poor road record (15-26), inconsistent secondary scoring and defensive lapses, but pedigree closes gaps, and I just can’t tell how motivated Leonard and the Clippers truly are. I know Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr always want to win. 

With the number sitting at +6, this feels like a spot where Golden State can pull just enough out of their historic winning DNA to at least keep things within striking distance, even if the Clippers ultimately advance.

PICK #2: Over 221.5 (-110)

All four meetings between these teams this season went under, and both sides typically operate at a slower pace. However, perimeter shooting is a key path to success for both teams here. The Warriors lead the league in three-point attempts, and while they’ve been inefficient overall, their volume creates scoring swings. If Curry gets going with Kristaps Porzingis in the pick-and-pop game, Golden State’s offense can spike quickly.

On the other side, the Clippers are far more efficient offensively, ranking well ahead of the Warriors in offensive rating. They shoot just under 37% from three, which was good for seventh in the NBA, and generate plenty of free throws (third in free-throw rate). A rim-and-three attack is a sound analytical approach, especially against the mostly undersized and undermanned Warriors. 

Both teams also struggle defensively in key areas. Golden State gives up second-chance and fast-break points, while the Clippers can be vulnerable from beyond the arc. Add it all up, and this game has sneaky scoring upside.

PICK #3: Stephen Curry over 4.5 threes made (+125)

If the Warriors are going to stay competitive, it’s going to be because Curry goes nuclear from deep, and he can in this matchup.

Since returning from injury, Curry has hit 15 threes in four games, shooting 41.7% from beyond the arc. His volume is elite, and the Warriors simply don’t have the offensive depth to ease his burden.

The Clippers, meanwhile, rank 16th in opponent three-point frequency and percentage since reshuffling their roster. That’s not good enough against a shooter like Curry, and attention must be paid to Porzingis if he comes out hitting from beyond the arc, which would help the Warriors space the floor and free up Curry.

The line has been adjusted upward, but we’re still getting plus money on one of the greatest shooters ever in a win-or-go-home game. Curry will go down firing, and likely cash this prop along the way.