The Oklahoma City Thunder (36-36) and Los Angeles Clippers (38-35) will square off in LA on Thursday night. This is a crucial game for both teams, with the playoffs approaching.
The Oklahoma City Thunder roster doesn’t jump off the page, but OKC still has a chance to earn a playoff spot. They are at least looking to receive a play-in spot. OKC has won four of their past five games, but they will need to continue playing well as their NBA schedule heats up.
The Clippers have gone 3-2 in their past five games. The NBA betting odds are in the Clippers’ favor, but they cannot take this Thunder team for granted.
It should be noted that the Thunder leads the season series with LA 3-0, most recently defeating them 101-100 in Los Angeles on Tuesday.
Tip-off is scheduled for 10:30 PM EST on Thursday, March 23, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. Let’s look at the Thunder vs. Clippers prediction and analysis for this game.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers Information
Oklahoma City Thunder vs LA Clippers
Location of the game: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, CA.
Date and Time: Thursday, March 23, 2023. 10:30 PM EST.
How to Watch: NBA
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers Recent Scores
As mentioned earlier, OKC leads the season series 3-0. The playoff race is tightly contested, so those three defeats could significantly determine where the Clippers finish. The same can be said for the Thunder.
Before making our final Thunder vs Clippers prediction, let’s take a closer look at the betting analysis.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers Betting Analysis
Oklahoma City Thunder Facts to Know
Many people wrote the Thunder off when Chet Holmgren went down with an injury prior to the season. However, they have upset the NBA betting odds and are playing well. Sure, they are just a .500 team, but that is better than many experts predicted. Most importantly, they have a chance to reach the postseason.
Their NBA team stats and NBA player stats have impressed this year. The Thunder are ranked second in points per game, 19th in assists, and ninth in rebounds per game. They are also seventh in turnovers limited per game.
Thunder’s Standout Performers
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Josh Giddey have led the charge for the Thunder this season. Gilgeous-Alexander leads OKC with over 31 points per game. Meanwhile, Giddey leads the team with six assists and just under eight rebounds per contest. Giddey is also averaging an impressive 16 points per game.
Giddey’s performance has been crucial, as it has taken the load off of Gilgeous-Alexander’s shoulders. Shai has settled in as a result and should earn some MVP consideration.
Los Angeles Clippers Facts to Know
For the season, the Clippers rank 16th in points per game, 23rd in assists, 11th in rebounds per game, and 17th in turnovers per game.
The Clippers have endured ups and downs throughout the season and were most recently dealt a scary injury concern. Paul George is expected to miss the next few weeks due to a leg injury. George suffered the injury on Tuesday. LA will need their depth to step up and help Kawhi Leonard as LA charges toward the playoffs.
George leads the team with just shy of 24 points per contest. Leonard is averaging 23.7 points per game and 6.3 rebounds per game.
Taking care of business without George will be difficult, but the Clippers feature enough depth to remain competitive.
Updates
As mentioned earlier, Paul George is expected to be out for the next few weeks due to a leg injury. Overall, the LA Clippers injury report has been a concern all season.
Without further ado, it is time to make our NBA predictions tonight.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers Betting Preview
Before sharing our official Thunder vs Clippers prediction, bettors need to remember that OKC will aim for a season series sweep of the Clippers. That could provide extra motivation on both sides.
This is one of those NBA matchups that could go either way, but covering the spread without George will be challenging for LA.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. LA Clippers Betting Prediction
- Go ahead and roll with the Thunder with your betting selection.