Los Angeles Clippers Betting Preview
The Los Angeles Clippers were hoping to build on their blowout win over the Kings on opening night, but they were no match for the Lakers, who beat them 125-117 on Friday night. Darius Garland led the team with 26 points and six assists; Brook Lopez added 22 points while Derrick Jones Jr. and Rui Hachimura each scored 16 points.
As a team, the Clippers shot 49 percent from the field and 16 of 37 from the 3-point line as they kept pace with the Lakers in a close contest until the third quarter, when their turnovers really cost them. The Clippers committed a total of 25 turnovers as a team, and Garland was the worst culprit with nine turnovers.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Preview
Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder have stormed out of the gates with a pair of blowout wins, and they will be eager to keep it going after routing the Nuggets in a 96-84 home win on Thursday. Jalen Williams led the team with 21 points; Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 17 points, while Chet Holmgren chipped in with 12 points, 17 rebounds, and four blocks.
As a team, the Thunder had a rough night on offense as they shot just 38 percent from the field and 11 of 43 from the 3-point line, but this win was all about their defense as they trailed for most of the first half before they restricted the Nuggets to just 36 points in the second half to make it look easy in the end. The Thunder forced a total of 22 turnovers, six of which were on Jamal Murray, which kept the Nuggets in check.
Why the Oklahoma City Thunder will win
- The Thunder have won each of their last 13 home games on the first leg of a back-to-back.
- The Clippers have lost each of their last 11 games at Paycom Center following a loss.
- The Thunder have covered the spread in each of their last 11 games as favorites against the Clippers following a win.
- The Clippers have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games at Paycom Center.
Why the Los Angeles Clippers will win
- The Clippers have won three of their last four games as underdogs following a road loss.
- The Clippers have covered the spread in each of their last eight road games against teams that held a winning record.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of the Thunder’s last eight games as favorites following a home win have gone OVER the total points line.
- Five of the Clippers’ last six games at Paycom Center have gone OVER the total points line.
Oklahoma City Thunder Player Facts
- Chet Holmgren ranks T1st amongst qualified players for FT% (100.0%) this season.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is one of only five qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.5 steals and 1.5 blocks this season.
Los Angeles Clippers Player Facts
- Darius Garland ranks T6th amongst qualified players for points per game (28.0) this season.
- Derrick Jones Jr. ranks T6th amongst qualified players for assist-to-turnover ratio (6.0) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Thunder rank 1st in the league for opponent points per game this season (94.0).
- The Thunder rank T1st in the league for opponent steals per game this season (6.5).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for steals per game this season (13.5).
- The Clippers rank 1st in the league for opponent free throw percentage this season (66.0%).
Thunder vs Clippers Prediction
The Clippers are still missing Max Strus, Brandon Ingram, Jordan Miller, and Bradley Beal, while the Thunder have ruled out Thomas Sorbier and Nikola Topic again. The Clippers were good enough to run past the lowly Kings in their first game despite the injuries, but they struggled against the Lakers, and I expect a similar outcome for this one. The Thunder have looked like a team on a mission so far, and it’s no surprise to see them as heavy favorites here.
The Thunder are just masters of forcing turnovers, and I think their elite defense will feast on the Clippers, who are still learning to play together. Give me the Thunder to win in a massive blowout at home.