Clippers vs. Thunder same-game parlay predictions Feb. 22: Bet on Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC to come out on top
Two Western Conference heavyweights meet on Thursday, as the Oklahoma City Thunder host the Los Angeles Clippers.
The pregame narrative: Home-court advantage could be the differentiator in a matchup between two of the league's top teams, which is why I'm backing the Thunder to win. I'm also expecting big things from a pair of all-stars, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Paul George.
NBA oddsas of 11:00 a.m. on 02/21/2024.
Clippers vs. Thunder same-game parlay
Parlay: Thunder ML + Gilgeous-Alexander over 27.5 points + George over 4.5 rebounds (+310)
Thunder moneyline (-129): This is a tough game to call, frankly, because both teams are really good. They're separated by half a game in the standings, and they're both on a roll right now.
The Clippers have won seven of their past eight road games, and they have the fifth-best net rating on the road (+4.1). But the Thunder have won 11 of their past 12 home games and own the second-best net rating at home (+10.4).
I'm giving the edge to the Thunder because that home net rating is absurd — and because their recent successes at home include wins over the league's very best.
Since Boxing Day, OKC has beaten the East-leading Celtics, the West-leading Timberwolves and the defending champion Nuggets at Paycom Center.
Other parlay picks
Gilgeous-Alexander over 27.5 points (-235): One of Gilgeous-Alexander's worst games of the year came against the Clippers, as he shot just 6-of-16 and finished with 19 points.
For the most part, though, SGA has made it hurt when he faces his former team. He has 30-plus points in four of six games against the Clippers since the start of last season.
This is a very attainable number for the all-star starter. He has 28-plus points in 43 of 53 games (81.1%) on the year.
SGA is second in the league in scoring, averaging 31.1 points per game.
George over 4.5 rebounds (-157): George averages 5.3 rebounds per game and has cleared this line in 30 of 50 matchups on the season. So, generally speaking, this is a good over bet to make.
In the context of this matchup, the bet looks even better.
OKC has the second-worst rebounding rate in the NBA (47.5%), and it allows the fifth-most rebounds per game to opponents (45.1). George snagged seven boards against the Thunder in their lone matchup this season.
Dating back to 2020-21, PG-13 has at least five rebounds against the Thunder in six of seven games.
