The Los Angeles Clippers are still heavy underdogs after upsetting the Golden State Warriors to tie their first-round playoff series at one game apiece. L.A. is getting 8.5 points Thursday night in Game 3 at home.

Golden State is a heavy favorite, according to the betting line at OddsShark, after blowing a 31-point second-half lead a few days ago. The total for Thursday’s matchup is 236.

The Warriors had plenty of ups and downs in the regular season, but they seemed to always come up with wins when they really needed them. After winning three of the last four championships and earning the top seed in the Western Conference this year, Golden State still has more talent than anyone, and the gap between the defending champs and the Clippers is a significant one.

That's why the Warriors should have a big bounce-back victory Thursday. Golden State should look a lot more like the team that cruised past Los Angeles in Game 1 with a 121-104 win.

Stephen Curry has been great in the series with 13 made three-pointers and 33.5 points per game. Look for him to have another big night.

Kevin Durant has yet to get going while being defended aggressively by Patrick Beverley. He hasn't even finished a game in this series after being ejected in the opener and fouling out of Game 2.

As good of a defender as Beverly is, Durant won’t struggle that much longer. He's one of the greatest postseason scores of all time, and he might put the Warriors on his back in this one.

By the same token, Montrezl Harrell won't continue to average 25.5 points on just 12 shots per game. Lou Williams will still put up impressive numbers, but that probably won't be nearly enough.

Since their current dynasty was formed, Golden State hasn't needed more than five games to get out of the first round. That trend should continue here against a Clippers’ team that competes every night but is clearly outmatched.

Game 3 between the Warriors and Clippers starts Thursday night at 10:30 p.m. EDT on TNT.

Prediction: Golden State over Los Angeles, 125-110

Golden State Warriors Durant
Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by Draymond Green #23 and Andrew Bogut #12 after he dunked the ball against the Denver Nuggets at ORACLE Arena on April 02, 2019 in Oakland, California. Ezra Shaw/Getty Images