The OKC Thunder got into the win column in their last game as they beat the shorthanded LA Clippers. They’ll face the same squad again as the NBA adopts the MLB-style series where teams visit a market and stay to play twice.
While baseball teams are used to this schedule style, for basketball teams the closest thing to this was a home-and-home series. Typically consecutive games against the same opponent result in a split.
OKC Thunder vs LA Clippers Odds, Spread, Over/Under
The latest odds from Odds Shark have the Clippers favored by seven points with an over/under of 215.5. The money line is set at -290 for the Clippers and +235 for the Thunder.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Thunder Starting Lineup:
Although Daigneault could surprise – let’s assume he uses the same starting five as he did on Tuesday:
Thunder Injury Report
Although Josh Giddey (ankle) was walking without a limp he’s listed as still being out for this game. Jalen Williams (orbital bone fracture) is out until early November and Chet Holmgren (foot) will miss the season.
As for the Clippers, Paul George who missed the game Tuesday with an illness is listed as questionable for tonight.
Marcus Morris Sr. (personal) is out as is Kawhi Leonard who returned to LA already so he could get treatment on his surgically repaired knee due to tightness. Ty Lue said it’s not serious just the team using an abundance of caution.
Jason Preston is also out having been sent to play with the G-League team.
OKC Thunder vs. LA Clippers Prediction
While TI cited the economic and health benefits of this mini-series for a young squad like the OKC Thunder there are further advantages.
For example, Mark Daigneault and his staff will prep the team for the opponent and immediately after the first game be able to show examples of how the team met or missed those objectives. And in the second game be able to correct the mistake or be better at delivering the specifics from the game plan.
Of course, in situations like this specific game, the dynamics of the second game will shift dramatically if Paul George is back on the court.
In our preview for the Tuesday match, TI noted the challenges the Clippers’ role players face because their role is fluid and ever-changing. I spoke about how difficult it is for a player to go from limited or no touches to suddenly be a primary scorer.
We saw that in full effect on Tuesday, as the Clippers looked out of sync offensively with even players who typically are involved offensively struggling. Norman Powell (3 of 10) and Reggie Jackson (4 of 17) simply never found their rhythm
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best player on the hardwood leading the OKC Thunder to victory and adding to what will be a very strong case to be a participant in the All-Star Game assuming he keeps up the same production.
Time spent in the lab this offseason is paying dividends for SGA with his expanded offensive repertoire but it’s his efficiency that is standing out.
The Thunder absolutely dominated the offensive glass pulling down 21 offensive rebounds compared to seven for LA and won the total rebound battle (60-47). The other areas OKC capitalized on were points scored off turnovers (23 to 3) and points scored in the paint (62 to 48).
Ultimately whether Paul George returns or not the Thunder will be looking to replicate their Tuesday performance. SGA will likely experience double teams given he was either scoring or setting up teammates so Ty Lue will be determined to get the ball out of his hand.
The big tweak for the Clippers will be team rebounding and being more protective of the ball to reduce turnovers. Overall, their defense wasn’t that bad given they held OKC to 38.2 percent from the field and 13.3 percent from deep. However, their own offense was stagnate so expect them to be more aggressive on that side of the floor.
It would be great if the Thunder could sweep this mini-series but it’s far more likely it results in a split.
Clippers 117, Thunder 113
What channel is the Thunder-Clippers game on?
Per usual the game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Oklahoma or NBA League Pass. Tip-Off is set for 8:00 p.m. EST (7:00 CT) from the Paycom Center, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
OKC Thunder vs. Clippers Timberwolves Live Stream
If you need a live stream of the event, check out FuboTV for a free trial!
Thunder Next Game and Schedule
The final game of this week is in Dallas on Saturday, October 29th as the OKC Thunder face the Dallas Mavericks for the first time this season.
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.