Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder
Thoughts and prayers to any East Coasters out there, but tipoff between the Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder is scheduled for 11 p.m. ET out in California at the Intuit Dome. NBA/Peacock will carry tonight’s coverage of a matchup featuring the undefeated reigning champs (7-0) against the 3-3 Clippers.
Let’s break down the latest injury updates, odds, and statistical matchups with my Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder preview, picks and props.
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Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Preview, Picks & Props
Can James Harden help end the Thunder’s undefeated record?
Clippers vs Thunder Preview
The betting market opened with Oklahoma City as 4.5-point favorites and a total around 223.5. As of now, the Thunder sit between -7 and -7.5 across most books, while the total has dipped to 221.5.
That movement can largely be attributed to Los Angeles playing the second leg of a back-to-back after falling short Monday night at home against the Miami Heat, 120-119. The Clippers may also be without Kawhi Leonard, who is “uncertain” to play after tweaking his ankle in last night’s game. Bradley Beal is also listed as “uncertain.”
Oklahoma City’s injury report is a bit longer:
- Lu Dort — Questionable
- Ajay Mitchell — Questionable
- Jaylin Williams — Questionable
- Jalen Williams — Out
- Kenrich Williams — Out
- Nikola Topic — Out
- Thomas Sorber — Out
Despite the length of that list, the Thunder’s overall depth and balance make their injuries less impactful to the betting market than the Clippers’ situation.
A recurring storyline whenever these teams meet centers on last year’s MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – originally drafted by the Clippers before being dealt to Oklahoma City. Los Angeles sent Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and multiple draft picks to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George.
No matter how much success SGA has achieved since, he still takes these matchups personally. As he said in Netflix’s Starting 5 documentary: “I would be lying to you if I tell you I didn’t get up to play the Clippers every time, for obvious reasons.”
Not that a player averaging 33.6 points per game – up from 32.7 during his MVP campaign – needs extra motivation, but it certainly adds another layer to the narrative. SGA has scored at least 30 points in six of the Thunder’s seven games this season.
Los Angeles vs Oklahoma City Picks & Props
We went 4-1 (+2.93 units) on our NBA bets last night. Here’s what I’m rolling with for this matchup:
I don’t have much interest in a side for this game, but I do have a stronger lean on the total. Both teams play at a league-average pace, and when two top-tier squads meet, defensive intensity usually ramps up. The Thunder rank first in defensive rating, while the Clippers sit 17th in offensive points per 100 possessions. Conversely, Los Angeles’ defense has struggled, ranking 26th in points allowed per 100 possessions, while the Thunder are eighth offensively.
Still, the Clippers could match up fairly well with OKC here and I expect a slower, lower-scoring game overall. I’d lean toward the under, but without clarity on Kawhi Leonard’s status, it’s tough to make an official play on either the side or total.
I do, however, like one prop angle: John Collins under 6.5 rebounds (-125). The 28-year-old is averaging just 5.3 rebounds per game and has stayed under this mark in four of six outings. The Thunder rank 16th in rebound percentage (49.7%), which isn’t elite, but this number feels a bit inflated for a player who hasn’t consistently cleared it.
Plus, with how poor the Clippers’ defense has been, if OKC does end up knocking down shots efficiently and consistently, there won’t be as many missed attempts for Collins to grab on the glass.
Bet: John Collins Under 6.5 Rebounds (-125)
NBA Record: 21-13 (+6.64)
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