In the second game of an NBATV doubleheader tonight, the Thunder will continue their five-game road trip against the Clippers at 1:30 p.m. AEDT.
These two teams played each other on Tuesday night at Crypto.com when Oklahoma City defeated Los Angeles 101-100 thanks to a great performance from All-Star point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (31 points, seven rebounds, and four assists). In addition to the defeat, the Clippers also lost All-Star forward Paul George to a sprained right knee, which will keep him out for at least two weeks.
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The Thunder (36-36) are trying to improve their playoff standing in the Western Conference. With only 10 games left in the regular season. Oklahoma City is currently the eighth seed but is only a game behind the Wolves in the loss column for seventh. However, the Thunder are also just 1.5 games behind the Clippers for the fifth speed. If Oklahoma City can finish this month strong, it could have a top-six seed in the playoffs.
As for the Clippers (38-36), they have lost two-straight games at home after winning the previous four games at Crypto.com Arena against the Raptors, Knicks, Grizzlies, and Warriors. Los Angeles is in the same spot as Oklahoma City, needing every win possible to stay out of the play-in tournament for the second-straight season. The Clips are currently the fifth seed in the West but a half-game behind Phoenix for the fourth seed.
Can the Thunder sweep the two-game mini-series over L.A., or will the Clippers get a much-needed victory without George on the floor? Below, we'll break down this late-night matchup while giving our prediction and best bets for basketball fans looking to win some cash.
Thunder vs. Clippers odds, picks, predictions
- Line: Thunder +4.0 ($1.90); Clippers -4.0 ($1.90)
- Over/Under: 231.5
- Head-to-Head: Thunder +$2.50; Clippers $1.55
It wouldn't be a farfetched idea to take the Thunder straight up tonight, as they dominated the Clippers this season (3-0) and have won by an average of 7.6 points per game. Oklahoma City hasn't played great on the road (14-21) this season, but it's won three out of its past five road contests. The Thunder are 20-12-3 against the spread on the road and 19-8-3 ATS as a road underdog (second-best cover record in the NBA) this season.
However, it won't be easy tonight, as it's hard to imagine the Clippers shooting 19.4 percent from three-point range for the second consecutive game. This season, Los Angeles is shooting 37.5 percent from beyond the arc, good for seventh in the NBA. Without George in the starting lineup, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Russell Westbrook be more aggressive on offense as the Clips try to make up that lost production. This season, the Clippers are 16-20 ATS at home and 13-14 ATS as a home favorite. Los Angeles is also 14-20 ATS after a loss this season.
We will take the Thunder to win outright tonight. The Clippers are 6-11 without George this season and have three out of their past four games without the All-Star forward. Meanwhile, the Thunder are playing great basketball this month, going 8-3 straight up and 8-3 ATS.
Best Bet: Thunder $2.50
Best player prop bet for Thunder vs. Clippers: Ivica Zubac OVER 11.5 points ($1.80)
We try to stay away from juiced player props, but with Zubac's points prop set at 11.5, it's too good to pass up. The veteran center should play well against an Oklahoma City frontcourt that often leaves a lot to be desired.
In Tuesday night's loss to the Thunder, Zubac had 13 points and three rebounds in 19 minutes. In his past 10 games, the 26-year-old center is averaging 12.8 points and has gone OVER 11.5 points several times. The Clippers will need Zubac to be productive, as they are without a large part of their offense.
