Both the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers are in a strong position to finish in the playoffs. Standing 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in the Western Conference, both sides have been in relatively excellent form since the start of the season.
Performance In Recent Games
The Thursday NBA schedule will see the Thunder host the Clippers at the Paycom Center in a highly anticipated encounter. The Thunder (37-17) started a run of two successive victories during their 127-113 win over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday, February 10. This was after a run of two losses to the Utah Jazz (124-117) and Dallas Mavericks (146-111). The Thunder secured a 113-127 victory over the Orlando Magic in their last game in a matchup that saw Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander run the show. Despite being outrebounded by the Magic at 48-31, Williams dropped 33 points, while Gilgeous-Alexander dropped 32 points on the night.
Two-time NBA All-Star Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the major reasons the Thunder are placed 2nd in the Western Conference so far this season. He averages 31.1 points so far this season, behind only Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic, who is on 34.2. Williams has also been in excellent form for the Thunder, averaging 19.2 points so far.
The LA Clippers have a 7-3 record from their last 10 games and will move to 2nd in the Western Conference table if they defeat the Thunder. The Clippers outran the Golden State Warriors 125-130 away from home in their last game on Wednesday, February 14. Despite going seven points behind after the first quarter, the Clippers found a way to win the game. They outran the Warriors with a 44-28 score in the 4th quarter. While Steph Curry ran the show for the Warriors with 41 points, the Clippers shared the points among players. Paul George had 24 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists, James Harden had 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Norman Powell had 21 points and 2 rebounds.
Injury News
PJ Tucker and Bones Hyland were two of the notable missing players for the Clippers in their last game after being sent home following issues with the team over their playing time. However, they are expected to be back against the Thunder. Kawhi Leonard was also out due to a left adductor strain but should get better in time for action on Thursday.
Oklahoma is expected to have small forward Gordon Hayward back on the team following an issue with his calf. On the other hand, Bismack Biyombo is expected to make his debut for the Thunder after being traded a few days ago. Biyombo last played for the Memphis Grizzlies against the Dallas Mavericks on January 10.
Who Will Triumph?
Despite having lots of big names, including Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, and Paul George, the Clippers are placed as underdogs here at BetVictor. They have odds of 1/1* to win the game, while the Thunder are backed with odds of 8/11* as the favourites.
The game will be a close contest, which is reflected in the spread. BetVictor has backed the Thunder with odds of 9/10* to cover a -2.5 spread, giving the Clippers odds of 9/10* to cover a +2.5 spread. Bettors interested in wagering on players will find a series of betting offers available. However, you should manage your bankroll and not jump on every betting market. Following his recent form, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has odds of 4/5* to score over 30.5 points and odds of 20/23* to be under that point. Despite missing the game against the Warriors, Kawhi Leonard is being backed with odds of 5/6* to cover over 24.5 points and odds of 5/6* to stay under 24.5 points.
Whoever wins the game will not change the top of the Western Conference table that much. If the Thunder wins, they will remain 2nd. However, if the Clippers win, they will move to 2nd, while the Thunder will move to 3rd.
*All odds are correct at time of writing and are subject to change.
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