Thunder vs Clippers Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

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16 January 2024

Thunder vs Clippers Picks, Predictions & Odds Tonight

Russell Westbrook's role is obviously far different now compared to when he was a member of the Thunder, but he's still shown he can produce when called upon. We break down his odds and more in our full Thunder-Clippers betting preview below.

There are only three games on Tuesday’s NBA schedule but they're all bangers. And arguably the best is saved for last when the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Los Angeles Clippers.

The Thunder are for real. Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, OKC has the second-best record in the Western Conference, but the Clippers are hot on their tail.

James Harden has found his groove and the Clippers are cooking. They have the best record in the NBA since the start of December and the NBA odds like L.A.’s chances of staying hot, as the Clippers are favored by a converted touchdown.

I break down this clash of Western Conference contenders and bring you the best bet and a same-game parlay in my free NBA picks for Thunder vs. Clippers.

Thunder vs Clippers odds

Thunder vs Clippers predictions

The Oklahoma City Thunder are legit. At 27-12, they sit just a game behind the Timberwolves for the top spot in the Western Conference.

And while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a matchup nightmare for anyone, my best bet will focus on a former Thunder legend. Of course, that's Russell Westbrook.

Now, Westbrook has seen his role reduced as James Harden has become acclimatized with his new team, but the Los Angeles Clippers can’t argue with the results. They are an NBA-best 17-4 since the start of December. That run is fueled by an offense that ranks second in offensive rating over that period.

Back to Westbrook: the former MVP has seen his minutes reduced of late but is still averaging 10.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. He also saw an uptick in minutes with the Clippers rotation down Ivica Zubac and went for 12 points, eight assists, and 13 rebounds in a matchup against Minnesota this past Sunday.

Westbrook also matches up well against his former team. The Thunder, while they get after it on defense aren’t overly big and can be susceptible to the extra pass. OKC ranks 28th in the NBA when it comes to rebounding rate and 19th in opponent assists per game.

Additionally, when these teams last me on Dec. 21, a game in which the Thunder won 134-115 as 6.5-point home favorites (Kawhi Leonard didn’t play), Westbrook hauled in 13 boards and dished out four assists.

Now, Westbrook’s rebounds + assists prop is set at 9.5 and I like the Over, but it’s juiced at -130. So, let’s get creative. Most projections have Westbrook going Over 5 rebounds and 5 assists, so let’s do just that.

A Westbrook 5+ assists and 5+ rebounds mini same-game parlay can be had at +210.

My best bet: Russell Westbrook 5+ assists and 5+ rebounds (+210 at bet365)

Thunder vs Clippers same-game parlay

Russell Westbrook 5+ rebounds

Russell Westbrook 5+ assists

Terrance Mann Over 1.5 assists

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 5.5 assists

I'm rounding out this SGP out with two more assist props, starting with Westbrook’s teammate Terance Mann.

Mann is a starter for the Clippers and kind of lays in the background of the big dogs but still manages 1.8 assists per game. We already touched on the Thunder giving up a bunch of assists and part of the reason for that is their high pace of play, the sixth-highest mark in the Association. That means more possessions and more opportunities for Mann.

We'll also throw in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 5.5 assists for good measure. SGA has topped this mark nine times in his last 13 games. With the SGA and the Thunder putting a beatdown on the Clippers when they last met, expect L.A. to try and do a better job of forcing the ball out of SGA’s hands.

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Thunder vs Clippers spread and Over/Under analysis

The Clippers opened this Western Conference showdown as 6-point home favorites and they've seen the early action, with the line moving to Clippers -7. That's nearly a 14-point swing since these teams last met on Dec. 21, which closed with the Thunder as 6.5-point favorites.

Now, there are a lot of factors that contribute to that. One, Kawhi Leonard didn’t play in that matchup. Two, the Clippers are at home this time around. And three, OKC is playing the second half of a back-to-back.

Even still, that feels like a bit of an over-adjustment. For starters, this isn’t the worst back-to-back as OKC played in the same building last night against the Lakers. On top of that, this is one of the younger teams in the NBA, and two games in two nights shouldn’t affect them like it might others.

This is also a Top-5 team when it comes to defensive rating. I'd lean toward the Thunder as underdogs.

When it comes to the total, that hit the board at 236.5 and it hasn’t seen much movement as of writing. The last meeting cruised over a total of 237.5 and once again, no Kawhi.

Additionally, while the Clippers have been cooking on offense, the other end of the floor hasn’t been as smooth. They rank 17th in defensive rating since the start of December, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see points come in bunches tonight.