Contract Situation by category:
Guaranteed: Patrick Beverley, Jerome Robinson, Landry Shamet, Lou Williams, Rodney McGruder, JaMychal Green, Montrezl Harrell, Ivica Zubac, Paul George, Maurice Harkless, Kawhi Leonard, Patrick Patterson, Mfiondu Kabengele, Terance Mann
Non/Partial Guaranteed: Donte Grantham | Derrick Walton
Two-Way Contracts: Johnathan Motley | Amir Coffey
Unsigned or on Exhibit 10: Terry Larrier | James Palmer
Thunder performance vs. Clippers in 2018-19
The teams split the four-game season series.
October 19, 2018, OKC Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers, Loss: 92 – 108
Tobias Harris/Danilo Gallinari 26 points, Paul George 20 points
October 30, 2018, OKC Thunder versus Los Angeles Clippers, Win: 128 – 110
Russell Westbrook/Paul George 32 points, Danilo Gallinari 27 points
December 15, 2018, OKC Thunder versus Los Angeles Clippers, Win: 110 – 104
Paul George 33 points, Danilo Gallinari 28 points
March 8, 2019, OKC Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers, Loss: 110 – 118
Williams 40 points, Russell Westbrook 32 points
Clippers Games versus OKC Thunder in 2019-20:
Away Game: Monday, November 18, 2019, at 10:30 p.m. EST
Away Game: Saturday, April 4, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. EST
Home Game: Sunday, December 22, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. EST
Home Game: Tuesday, March 3, 2020, at 8:00 p.m. EST
Marquee matchup: ALL the OKC Thunder wings vs. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George
What to expect in the four matches versus Clippers this season:
Although the old rivalry of Russell Westbrook versus Patrick Beverley is no longer valid the revamped squads have ample reason to keep the fires ignited. Paul George’s trade demand catapulted the OKC Thunder into their current “reposition and replenish” era and cost the franchise the cornerstone talent when Westbrook was subsequently traded as well.
That fact alone is enough to keep fans and players alike invested in winning. There are other compelling reasons for the Clippers to potentially become a rival. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari were the players sent over in the trade which is always a motivating factor. And while Chris Paul landed in OKC via the Rockets it was this initial trade which created that possibility; never mind it’s rumored he wasn’t happy in his final seasons in LA.
More from Thunderous Intentions
- Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
- Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
- 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
- Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
- Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder
Clearly, the Clippers are the deeper squad with better top end talents but there will be areas the Thunder could have an advantage. For as deep as LA is, they aren’t loaded with frontcourt depth specifically at the five. Steven Adams will have a size, strength and skill advantage over both LA big men Montrezl Harrell and Ivica Zubac. Arguably Chris Paul and SGA will also have an edge over Pat Beverley and Lou Williams.
The key will be finding a resolution to stopping two of the best wings in the business. Kawhi Leonard is cited as a top three player but if he delivers a title to the Clippers making it his third with three separate clubs that may vault him to the top of the list. Andre Roberson will be essential in this matchup. At least one other wing whether it be Terrance Ferguson, Hamidou Diallo or even rookie Darius Bazley will need to stop Paul George. Therein lies the challenge.
Moreover, this LA club features multiple top defenders so the new Thunder offensive system will need to be clicking to keep the Clippers moving on defense. While LA ranked 23rd in steals and 21st defensively those rankings are sure to head north. With PG and the Klaw joining Beverley, Harrell, Rodney McGruder, JaMychal Green, and Mo Harkless this team could easily ascend into a top-three defense.
Two of the four meetings occur prior to the deadline meaning both Gallo and CP3 should still be with the team. Not knowing who’ll remain in OKC post deadline the latter two games are more difficult to predict.
Logically the Clippers should win the series and the Thunder shouldn’t be upset if they lost three or were swept by this powerhouse club. I’d love to say the Thunder could split the series, but I’m more comfortable predicting OKC takes one game and will hope they steal more.