The OKC Thunder and LA Clippers cross swords in a regular-season game at the Intuit Dome on Wednesday, with tipoff at 10 p.m. ET. It is the third meeting of the season between the two teams, with the Thunder leading the season series 2-0.
Both teams are playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The Thunder thumped the LA Lakers 123-87 on Tuesday, while the Clippers cruised to a 116-103 win over the Dallas Mavericks. OKC remained in first place in the West with a 63-16 record, while the Clippers are in eighth place with a 41-38 record.
OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers Preview, Starting Lineups Tonight, Betting Tips and Game Prediction
OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers Betting Tips and Odds
Moneyline: Thunder (-258), Clippers (+210)
Spread: Thunder -7.5 (-111), Clippers +7.5 (-111)
Total over/under o/u: Thunder o224.5 (-111), Clippers u224.5 (-111)
Editor’s note: Odds might change closer to tipoff.
Betting Tips
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is expected to score over 30.5 points.
- Kawhi Leonard is expected to score under 27.5 points.
- Chet Holmgren is expected to record under 8.5 rebounds.
OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers Preview
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams are automatic from the mid-range. They must punish the Clippers with their proven skill, especially when the Clippers are prone to playing drop coverage. OKC needs to utilize Chet Holmgren’s ability to draw big out on the perimeter, which will open driving lanes for the rest of the team.
The Thunder’s defense is as solid as it can get, with multiple players well-versed in guarding multiple positions at an elite level. Lu Dort, Cason Wallace, and Alex Caruso will put pressure on Darius Garland and Bennedict Mathurin, forcing them into tough shots and turnovers.
Meanwhile, the Clippers should look to slow the pace against the Thunder, which wreaks havoc in transition. Attacking the rim and putting OKC rim protectors in full trouble is another strategy that can yield high returns.
Kawhi Leonard must outplay the reigning MVP Gilgeous-Alexander for the Clippers to beat the Thunder. Leonard’s ability to score on all three levels and defend at an elite level will allow the Clippers to compete with OKC.
OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers Starting Lineups Tonight
OKC Thunder starting lineup
PG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG: Lu Dort, SF: Jalen Williams, PF: Chet Holmgren, C: Isaiah Hartenstein.
LA Clippers starting lineup
PG: Darius Garland, SG: Kris Dunn, SF: Kawhi Leonard, PF: Derrick Jones Jr., C: Brook Lopez.
OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers Prediction
OKC is a deeper and more disciplined team right now. While the Clippers will put on a strong fight, we expect the Thunder to pull away in the second half and win their seventh consecutive game.
Final score prediction: Thunder win 118-109.
Edited by Atishay Jain
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