Oklahoma City Thunder (27-6) vs LA Clippers (19-14)
Game Info: Thursday, January 2, 2025 at 8:00 pm (Paycom Center)
Betting Odds: Oklahoma City Thunder -9.5 / LA Clippers +9.5 --- Over/Under: 217.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The LA Clippers and Oklahoma City Thunder meet Thursday in NBA action at the Paycom Center. Here’s a LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction. This article will include an LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Pick.
LA Clippers Betting Preview
The LA Clippers beat the Pelicans, lost to the Spurs, and they play the Hawks, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Hornets, and Heat next. The LA Clippers are averaging 108.9 points on 46.4 percent shooting and allowing 107.8 points on 45.9 percent shooting. Norman Powell is averaging 24.3 points and 3.3 rebounds, while James Harden is averaging 21.9 points and 6.1 rebounds. Ivica Zubac is the third double-digit scorer and Amir Coffey is grabbing 2.6 rebounds. The LA Clippers are shooting 36.7 percent from beyond the arc and 78.3 percent from the free-throw line. The LA Clippers are allowing 33.9 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 43.9 rebounds per game.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
The Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Timberwolves and Grizzlies, and they play the Knicks, Celtics, and Cavs next. The Oklahoma City Thunder are averaging 115.3 points on 46.6 percent shooting and allowing 103.3 points on 42.5 percent shooting. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 31.3 points and 6 assists, while Jalen Williams is averaging 21 points and 5.9 rebounds. Chet Holmgren is the third double-digit scorer and Isaiah Hartenstein is grabbing 12.4 rebounds. The Oklahoma City Thunder are shooting 34.5 percent from beyond the arc and 81.4 percent from the free throw line. The Oklahoma City Thunder are allowing 33.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 44 rebounds per game.
LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Injury Report
The Clippers are likely going to be without Kawhi Leonard, Terrance Mann, and PJ Tucker. Kawhi has yet to play this season, Mann missed yesterday’s game against the Pelicans, and Tucker isn’t with the Clippers and won’t play for the team.
The Thunder will be without Alex Caruso, Alex Ducas, Adam Flagler, Chet Holmgren, and Nikola Topic. Caruso is still dealing with a hip issue and hasn’t played since December 23.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 11 games as home favorites against the Clippers.
- The Clippers have lost each of their last eight games at Paycom Center following a road loss.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last seven home games against the Clippers following a win.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in seven of their last eight games at Paycom Center following a road loss.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Luguentz Dort ranks 24th in the Western Conference amongst qualified players for 3P% (39.3%) this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- James Harden ranks 7th amongst qualified players for assists per game (7.8) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for steals per game this season (11.9).
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for turnovers per game this season (11.8).
- The Clippers rank 29th in the league for turnover percentage this season (14.9%).
- The Clippers rank 3rd in the league for opponent three-point percentage this season (33.9%).
LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder Prediction
I understand the Oklahoma City Thunder are winning and covering numbers, but this line feels disrespectful toward the Clippers. OKC is 21-9-3 ATS on the season, but the Clippers continue to play decent ball, and that includes wins in 5 of their last 7 games. Reports also indicate that Kawhi Leonard is close to returning, which only lifts the spirit of the team. The Clippers and Thunder had a scoring fest back in November, a competitive high-scoring contest. Unless there's a key injury I'm not aware of, I'm not buying this line. Give me the points with the Clippers.
Randy’s Pick LA Clippers +9.5
AUTHOR: Randy Chambers
