The Oklahoma City Thunder (36-36) have been a surprise package this season and are now 8th in the Western Conference, courtesy of an 8-2 run in their last 10 games. Their opponents for tonight are the Los Angeles Clippers (38-35), who will host this game at the Crypto.com Arena on Thursday as part of the doubleheader.
The Thunder have taken the first round against the Clippers (101-100) in a highly contested encounter. It was a brilliant game that saw both sides going toe-to-toe until the final second of the game. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander once again shone for the Thunder, finishing the game with 31 points to his name. He was well supported by Jalen Williams, who contributed 20 points in the win. For the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard led the scoring charts with 21 points while Paul George scored 18 points. Unfortunately, George suffered a nasty knee injury and had to be taken off the game.
The Clippers sit 5th in the West and are 5-5 in their last 10 games. Considering the situation in the West and how tight the teams are, each remaining game has become crucial. They will definitely eye for a win at home and take their revenge for last night’s loss.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Match Details
Fixture: Oklahoma City Thunder @ Los Angeles Clippers
Date & Time: Thursday, March 23, 10:30 p.m ET
Venue: Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles, California
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Injury Report
The two teams are dealing with a few injuries at the moment. Aleksej Pokusevski is still unavailable for the Thunder as he recovers from a knee injury whereas Kenrich Williams is out for the season due to a wrist injury. Chet Holmgren is also out for the season with a foot injury.
Paul George is the latest addition to the Clippers’ injury list. He will be out for a few weeks with a knee injury. But fortunately, the injury is not as big as looked in the first place. Norman Powell is still unavailable due to a shoulder injury whereas Brandon Boston Jr. is out with a tailbone injury.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Injury List
| Player | Team | Status | Injury |
| Aleksej Pukosevski | Oklahoma City Thunder | Out | Knee |
| Kenrich Williams | Oklahoma City Thunder | Out | Wrist |
| Chet Holmgren | Oklahoma City Thunder | Out | Foot |
| Paul George | Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Knee |
| Norman Powell | Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Shoulder |
| Brandon Boston Jr. | Los Angeles Clippers | Out | Tailbone |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Over/Under |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | +140 | +3.5 (-110) | O 231 (-110) |
| Los Angeles Clippers | -160 | -3.5 (-110) | U 231 (-110) |
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Starting 5s
Thunder: F Lugentz Dort, F Jalen Willaims, C Jaylin Williams, G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, G Josh Giddey
Clippers: F Kawhi Leonard, F Marcus Morris Sr., C Ivica Zubac, G Eric Gordon, G Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Clippers: Betting Prediction
The Clippers have a 19-18 record at home and the Thunder is responsible for giving them their 18th home loss. The Clippers will now look to take their revenge as they are already 0-3 against the Thunder this season. Offensively, the Thunder rank 5th in the league, averaging 117.6 ppg while the Clippers rank 23rd, averaging only 112.7 ppg. However, defensively the Clippers are much stronger, conceding 112.4 ppg at No.4 whereas the Thunder is at No.19, conceding 116.2 ppg.
The absence of Paul George will definitely be a factor in tonight’s game but also gives a chance for other players to shine. Kawhi might have a big turn-up big. The Thunder has to be careful against such a team. Expect the Clippers to cover the spread tonight.
