Best Games to Bet on Today: Bulls vs Clippers & Warriors vs Knicks

The Golden State Warriors were in a surprising thriller last night. They needed a three-pointer from Harrison Barnes at the very end of the game to win 108-105 against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors now continue on their East Coast trip in a primetime matchup against the New York Knicks.

Another East vs. West showdown highlights the afternoon. The Chicago Bulls will be on the road in a showdown against the Los Angeles Clippers. Can the Clippers extend their three-game win streak while missing star power forward Blake Griffin? Or will the Bulls escape with an upset?

For more action this Sunday, check out our complete previews for college basketball’s Northwestern vs. Iowa and Villanova vs. St. John’s.

Sports News and Predictions

Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Clippers (3:30 PM ET)

Line: Chicago Bulls (+5.5) at Los Angeles Clippers (-5.5); total 204.5 – view all NBA lines

Missing Blake Griffin may be a good thing for the Los Angeles Clippers. Their bench has been absolutely brilliant with 43.1 points per game in Griffin’s absence. It’s ranking near the top of the league, up from 23^rd with 31.3 points per game. The Clippers have won 11 of their last 14 at home on the strength of their defense. They’re forcing 19.3 turnovers per game in their last three, while allowing just 88.3 points per game.

The Clippers welcome the Chicago Bulls to Staples Center. The Bulls have not won two straight in more than three weeks. They’ve lost seven of their last 11 games, which prompted some changes in their depth chart. E’Twaun Moore now starts in place of Tony Snell at small forward. He may not be a scorer, but his defense was on point in Thursday’s 114-91 rout of the Lakers. Pau Gasol could be up for a big game facing a Griffin-less Clippers. He had 21 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in Thursday’s rout.

Writer’s Prediction

The Clippers (-5.5) hand the Bulls yet another loss.

Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks (7:30 PM ET)

Line: Golden State Warriors (-10) at New York Knicks (+10); total 216.5 – view all NBA lines

It was a mistake-filled game for the Golden State Warriors. They committed 23 turnovers in a 108-105 victory against the lowly Philadelphia 76ers. The Warriors held a lead as much as 24 points in the second half, but allowed Philadelphia to rally in the fourth quarter. Harrison Barnes’ last second three-pointer gave them the victory.

Golden State’s All-Stars were mostly to blame. Draymond Green and Steph Curry each had seven turnovers, while Klay Thompson had five. They’ll need a much cleaner game on the second half of a back-to-back tonight against the New York Knicks.

The Knicks are coming off a big 102-84 win over the Phoenix Suns on Friday. Carmelo Anthony was sensational; he was two assists short of a triple double after racking up 19 points and 10 rebounds. If Anthony can keep up his high-level of play on all aspects of the game, then expect the Knicks to give the Warriors quite a fight.