The Oklahoma City Thunder (41-29) meet the Los Angeles Clippers (37-30) at Chesapeake Energy Arena. The game will air on NBATV at 8 p.m. ET on Friday, March 16, 2018.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Free Prediction
The Clippers are trying to rebound after their 101-96 loss to the Houston Rockets in their last matchup. Converting at the free throw line was one of Houston’s biggest strengths. They were 19-23 (82.6 percent), while the Clippers were just 4-8 (50.0 percent). Tobias Harris was the top scorer from either team with 29 points on 13-for-24 shooting.
In the Thunder’s last game, they beat the Atlanta Hawks, 119-107. Oklahoma City’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Atlanta. The Thunder had a rate of 6.5 (better than their season average of 12.2), while the Hawks posted a mark of 13.3. With 32 points, 12 rebounds and 12 assists, Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook led the way with his 20th triple-double of the year.
The offensive glass could be a major advantage for Oklahoma City in this battle. The Thunder rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.7 percent), while Los Angeles ranks 26th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.2 percent).
Los Angeles comes into the contest with records of 37-30 straight up (SU) and 36-29-1 against the spread (ATS). Just over half of the Clippers’ games have finished over the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City is 41-29 SU and 28-41-1 ATS. Unlike Los Angeles, games including the Thunder have finished under the total 54.3 percent of the time.
DeAndre Jordan and Harris have played at a high level over the last five games for Los Angeles. Jordan has averaged 18.8 rebounds and 17.0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Harris has recorded 23.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks a game during that span.
The Thunder have emerged victorious in both games against the Clippers this year, including a 127-117 victory in their last matchup. Oklahoma City covered as a 1-point underdog and the game finished with a total of 244 points, which was 31.5 points above the projected point total of 212.5 points. Oklahoma City was lights out from beyond the arc (15-34; 44.1 percent). Los Angeles, meanwhile, did a fantastic job of making free throws (18-23; 78.3 percent). In the loss, Jordan had a double-double with 26 points and 17 rebounds.
Los Angeles Clippers at Oklahoma City Thunder Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Thunder, ATS Winner – Thunder, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Los Angeles is 20-11-1 ATS on the road with 16 overs and 16 unders.
Oklahoma City is 14-20-1 ATS at home with 20 unders and 15 overs.
In games where they allow under 100 points, Los Angeles is 11-2 and Oklahoma City is 20-5.
In games where they reach 100 points, the Thunder are 37-15 and the Clippers are 35-19.
Oklahoma City ranks fourth in fast break points per game (14.8) while Los Angeles ranks last in fast break points allowed per game (15.0).
The Thunder average 8.9 steals per game, which ranks first in the league. The Clippers rank 26th in steals allowed per game (8.4).
Oklahoma City ranks first in second chance points per game (15.0) while Los Angeles ranks 21st in second chance points allowed per game (13.1).
The Thunder average 5.2 blocks per game, which ranks seventh in the league. The Clippers rank 25th in blocks allowed per game (5.3).
Oklahoma City ranks first in points off turnovers per game (18.5) while Los Angeles ranks 19th in points off turnovers allowed per game (17.0).
The Thunder rank fourth in rebounds allowed per game (41.7) while the Clippers rank 20th (43.9).
Los Angeles ranks third in points in the paint per game (51.3) while Oklahoma City ranks 16th (43.9).
The Thunder average 30.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. The Clippers rank 22nd in three pointers allowed per game (30.4).
Los Angeles ranks 20th in assists per game (22.3) while Oklahoma City ranks 27th (21.2).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Los Angeles is 1-4 ATS with 3 overs and 2 unders.
Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Clippers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, up from 1.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Thunder have scored an average of 111.2 points per game (4.3 above their season average) and allowed an average of 102.2 points per game (1.5 below their season average).
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