The Los Angeles Clippers (36-17) travel to the Oklahoma City Thunder (37-17) in what should be an excellent matchup. Although the teams are matched evenly, their regular season series is tied at one apiece. In each instance, the home team won by more than double figures.
However, both teams understand how important this game is. Considering how tight the Western Conference game is, today’s matchup is critical. Gaining a series edge over a top opponent provides many dividends for later. Therefore, you can expect both teams to give a full effort in this regular season game. Not only is this the first game back from the All-Star Break, but neither team lists players on their injury report.
Do you see either team making an early statement to the league?
Los Angeles Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Odds and Details
| Team | Spread | Total | MoneyLine |
| Los Angeles Clippers | +2 -108 |
O 237.5 -105 |
+105 |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | -2 -112 |
U 237.5 -115 |
-125 |
| ** Odds Courtesy of DraftKings SportsBook** | |||
Fixture: Los Angeles Clippers @ Oklahoma City Thunder
Date And Time: February 22, 2024 @ 8:00 p.m. EST
Location: Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Key Stats
Los Angeles Clippers (Averages)
Points: 118.3
Points Allowed: 112.7
Field Goal Efficiency: 43.0/87.2 for 49.4%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.2/33.3 for 39.5%
Free Throw Efficiency: 19.0/23.3 for 81.6%
Rebounds: 10.2 Offensive, 32.8 Defensive, 43.0 Combined
Assists: 26.0
Steals: 8.0
Blocks: 5.2
Turnovers: 12.1
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 41.5/89.1 for 46.6%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 12.6/35.2 for 35.7%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 17.1/21.9 for 78.0%
Rebounds Against: 11.2 Offensive, 30.8 Defensive, 41.9 Combined
Los Angeles positioned themselves to win this year. This remains their biggest opportunity in quite a while. Regardless of what others may say, no one wants to face them in the postseason. However, reasonable questions surround this Los Angeles Clippers team. Fans mainly want to know how their superstars will look come playoff time and more importantly, if they’ll be available then. While that is a problem for another day, this regular season they compete with the very best.
LA Clippers NBA preseason highlights so far…💙
Kawhi Leonard, the Klaw, looks sharp✋
Paul George is smooth as ever😤
Bones Hyland is busy as always⚡️
Russell Westbrook hasn’t lost his speed at all!💨pic.twitter.com/wzaeuGVNQp— Opinionated Fan (@OpinionatedSF19) October 13, 2023
A lot rests on the shoulders of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George. But James Harden and Russell Westbrook share an equal amount of the credit. Although the season started, rough, when they turned things around the team looked great. However, it remains to be seen if this cast has a lasting playoff push in them. Therefore, a road win against a quality Oklahoma City Thunder team will go a long way for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Averages)
Points: 120.8
Points Allowed: 113.6
Field Goal Efficiency: 44.5/89.0 for 50.0%
Three-Pont Efficiency: 13.4/34.0 for 39.3%
Free Throw Efficiency: 18.4/22.1 for 83.2%
Rebounds: 8.6 Offensive, 32.5 Defensive, 41.1 Combined
Assists: 27.3
Steals: 8.1
Blocks: 6.7
Turnovers: 11.6
Field Goal Efficiency Against: 40.6/89.6 for 45.3%
Three-Point Efficiency Against: 13.6/37.3 for 36.4%
Free Throw Efficiency Against: 18.9/24.0 for 78.7%
Rebounds Against: 12.5 Offensive, 32.6 Defensive, 45.1 Combined
Oklahoma is a fun, young, and developing team to watch. Although they are already one of the better teams in a crowded West, they will continue to grow as they spend more time on the court together. Their offense boasts as one of the top-producing units. But their defense is the weaker aspect of their overall game. Regardless, they have athletes and playmakers everywhere. While the occasional slip-up will happen, on most nights they will be able to hang with any team and even come out on top against the Los Angeles Clippers.
shai gilgeous-alexander highlights pic.twitter.com/YqJGt53cf5
— AD FANATIC (@tywow28) March 22, 2023
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander comes off his second All-Star nod. And it’s well deserved. The former rookie with the Los Angeles Clippers (Charlotte Hornets original draft pick) has found a home here. But he has a solid supporting cast to complement his playing style. Notably Chet Holmgrenen! Even if he loses the Rookie of the Year award to Victor Wembanyama, he’s putting up solid numbers night in and night out. However, time will tell if they are ready for that next step. A win tonight versus the Los Angeles Clippers will show that, yes, they are true contenders now!
Game Prediction
I see this iteration of the Los Angeles Clippers team winning tonight. Even though they play the Thunder on the road, they maintain a respectable status as only two-point underdogs. However, the veteran presence wins out tonight. Although the Oklahoma City Thunder are a good team and will be for years to come, their time isn’t now. While the Clippers stay healthy they are a top team. However, as we progress through the final season phases, injury lookout is a concern.
But seeing as the pieces are intact, I actually would like them to win outright. But I see this being a close game that can go either way. Therefore I am going with the points. Additionally, the defenses will control enough portions of this game to keep the point total down. The Under is the play here with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers involved.
Final Pick
Los Angeles Clippers +2 and Under 237.5
About the Author
Gabriel is a lifelong sports fan. Pick a sport, and he’ll enjoy talking about it with you! From football to soccer, combat sports, and volleyball! You can follow Gabriel on Twitter @BigTenGabriel to enjoy all of his great content. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where we do several shows daily. Also, check out our main page by clicking here! For more fantasy-specific sports content, visit our Total Apex Fantasy Sports website!
