How OKC Thunder counterattack 4 key LA Clippers – preview

OKC Thunder counterattack:

The OKC Thunder has a number of weapons at their disposal. The one they must exploit is their center brigade. Ivica Zubac is physically no match for Steven Adams, there are not many players in the league who are.

Isolating Adams on the low post against Zubac will cause their defense to collapse. When this happens, Adams needs to use his passing game to find the open man. If the defense does not collapse, then Adams needs to exploit this advantage.

Likewise, Nerlens Noel is 6’11” taking on the 6’7” Harrell. In fairness, Harrell plays taller than his listed height. However, when Noel gets going and is finishing alley-oops, there is no chance the smaller Harrell can stop him. Noel needs to be the dominant force of the second unit.

However, it the strength of the backcourt which needs to win the night. Chris Paul needs to use his basketball IQ to get Patrick Beverley in foul trouble as much of their defense starts from his physical style of play.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also needs to combine his outside shooting and penetrating ability to keep the Clippers defense guessing.  His matchup will be either Leonard or George and the winner of this dual will heavily influence the outcome of the night.

Odds:

The Clippers are favored by 2.5 points with a projected over-under of 226.5 points and the money line is plus +138 for the Thunder and minus -145 for the Clippers.

Game Specifics

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 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

The Venue: Chesapeake Energy Arena

Tipoff: 8:00 PM ET  | 7:00 PM CT

TV: FS Oklahoma

Radio: WWLS 98.1 FM OKC

Injuries:

Thunder:

• Darius Bazley is expected to miss between four to six weeks (end of March) with a right knee bone bruise.
• Andre Roberson hasn’t played this season still rehabbing his knee and recently returned to the team to rehab on site.

Clippers:

• No injuries reported

History:

The two teams have met 42 times as they are named today. The OKC Thunder have a 23-19 advantage. In the four games played between the clubs last season, the franchises split them.

This season the squads have played twice each winning a game.

Enjoy the game and remember to check back in after the game for grades and takeaways.