Thunder vs Clippers Odds & Picks (March 23)
As if losing by a single point to a team chasing them for a top six spot in the NBA playoff bracket didn’t sting enough, the Los Angeles Clippers (38-35, 19-17 home) now have to deal with the loss of Paul George, likely for the rest of the regular season.
The star guard hit the court after getting fouled by Luguentz Dort with 4:38 remaining in the Clips 101-100 loss on Tuesday. He lay on his back for several minutes before being helped to his feet and appeared unable to put any weight on his right leg as he was helped to the locker room.
On Thursday, March 23rd, his teammates get their chance for revenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder (36-36, 14-21 road) when they meet again at Crypto.com Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 10:30 pm ET in a game that will be broadcast on NBA TV.
Thunder vs Clippers Odds
Despite the loss of their leading scorer, the Clippers are 2-point favorites to avoid a season sweep to the Thunder. In their encounter on Tuesday, LA were 6.5-point chalk, but lost outright to the energetic squad from OKC.
The loss of George is only one issue Los Angeles will have to contend with in this rematch. Younger legs might also help the Thunder when these teams clash once again, as the Clips are 0-5 ATS when playing on only one days rest.
Odds as of March 22nd at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Thunder have Clippers Number This Year
OKC is playing their best basketball of the season, having won eight of their last 10 contests, climbing up the ladder in the NBA playoff odds. They were just 15-21 prior to the calendar flipping, but have completely reversed that mark, going 21-15 since the start of January.
Prior to their three meetings this season, the Thunder had gone 2-5 against the Clippers in their last seven meetings. It’s been a totally different story this campaign, with OKC winning all three matchups and covering the spread each time.
Thunder vs Clippers Results This Season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has truly elevated his game and should be given more and more consideration in the NBA MVP odds with each Thunder win. Since returning from an injury on March 5th, the NBA’s 4th leading scorer has averaged 38.7 points in seven games.
He once again paced the team in scoring in their victory on Tuesday, pouring in 31 points against his former squad. A defensive stand was the key to victory though, as the Thunder hounded Kawhi Leonard with the final seconds ticking down, keeping him from getting a shot off before the buzzer sounded.
Clippers Can’t Catch a Break
Ever since the tandem of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard has been put together in Los Angeles, it seems as if one of them has been out of the lineup or struggling to play through injury. For a team that’s been near the top of the table in the NBA championship odds all season, losing George would essentially end any chance at a title run.
Right now, the eight time all-star has been diagnosed with a right knee injury and will be re-evaluated in two to three weeks. Even if he comes back, who knows if he’ll be close to 100%. This team has been forced to get used to playing without their superstars, although it doesn’t mean they’ve fared well in those situations.
Clippers With & Without Superstars
Although they’re currently sitting 5th in the West, the Clippers are just 2.5 games ahead of the Lakers and Pelicans who currently sit in 11th and 12th, outside of the play-in tournament. Needless to say, a second straight home loss to OKC would be devastating for Ty Lue’s team.
Thunder vs Clippers Prediction
After beating the Clippers on Tuesday with George in the lineup, some might’ve expected the Thunder to be the favorites in the NBA odds for this rematch. Everything is going right for them and they’ve owned the Clips this year.
Nevertheless, we don’t see Kawhi and the Clippers getting swept in four straight games to the Thunder this year. On the heels of a back-to-back, count on Leonard, LA’s low key star, to lead by example on this night and show Gilgeous-Alexander that it’s not his time quite yet.
Pick: Los Angeles Clippers Moneyline (-130)
