The Los Angeles Clippers (17-19) welcome the Oklahoma City Thunder (21-17) to Staples Center as they try to continue their six-game home winning streak. The game will air on TNT at 10:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, January 4, 2018.
Oklahoma City is a 1-point favorite on the opening line, while the game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 213 points.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Clippers Free Prediction
In the Thunder’s last game, they blew out the Los Angeles Lakers, 133-96. Oklahoma City’s 8.5 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over Los Angeles, who had a mark of 14.7. The Thunder’s mark was better than their season average of 12.7. Russell Westbrook played well for Oklahoma City, recording 20 points, 12 assists and six rebounds.
The Clippers beat the Memphis Grizzlies in their last outing, 113-105. Los Angeles was successful at getting to and converting from the free throw line. The Clippers made 26 of their 31 free throws (83.9 percent), while the Grizzlies were just 21-33 (63.6 percent). Lou Williams was the game’s leading scorer with 33 points on 8-for-15 shooting.
This has potential to be a mistake-prone game for the offense of Los Angeles. Los Angeles ranks 18th in the league in ball protection (turnover percentage of 14.4 percent), while the disruptive defense of Oklahoma City forces the most turnovers in the NBA (16.2 percent). Furthermore, the Thunder rank first in offensive rebounding percentage (27.3 percent), while the Clippers rank 25th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent).
Oklahoma City comes into the game with records of 21-17 straight up (SU) and 13-23-1 against the spread (ATS). Vegas is known to place the total high when the Thunder are involved, as 59.5 percent of their games have gone under the total.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles is 17-19 SU and 20-15-1 ATS. Contrary to Oklahoma City, a little over half of Clippers games have finished over the O/U total.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Westbrook (33.2 points, 10.8 assists, 10.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals) has been stellar for the Thunder while Williams (30.4 points and 4.6 assists) has contributed greatly to the Clippers.
This will be the second game of the season between these two teams. Paul George scored a game-high 42 points in the first matchup, in which the Thunder beat the Clippers 120-111, covering as 5-point favorites. He also recorded nine rebounds and seven assists. The game finished with a total of 231 points, which was 21 points above the projected point total of 210 points. The Thunder knocked down 29 of their 40 free throws (72.5 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 15.6).
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Clippers Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Clippers, ATS Winner – Clippers, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Oklahoma City is 5-12 ATS on the road with 10 unders and 7 overs.
Los Angeles is 10-7 ATS at home with 9 overs, 7 unders and 1 push.
In games where they allow below 100 points, Los Angeles is 10-2 and Oklahoma City is 14-5.
When reaching the century mark, the Clippers are 15-12 and the Thunder are 18-7.
Oklahoma City ranks fourth in fast break points per game (14.3) while Los Angeles ranks 26th in fast break points allowed per game (13.8).
The Thunder average 9.7 steals per game, which ranks first in the NBA. The Clippers rank 22nd in steals allowed per game (8.2).
Oklahoma City ranks third in rebounds allowed per game (41.1) while Los Angeles ranks 20th (43.5).
The Thunder rank third in points off turnovers per game (19.0) while the Clippers rank 18th (16.3).
Los Angeles averages 29.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 11th in the NBA. Oklahoma City ranks 25th in three pointers allowed per game (30.6).
The Thunder average 14.3 second chance points per game, which ranks fourth in the league. The Clippers rank 18th in second chance points allowed per game (12.8).
Oklahoma City averages 5.1 blocks per game, which ranks ninth in the NBA. Los Angeles ranks 20th in blocks allowed per game (5.0).
The Thunder rank fourth in points allowed in the paint per game (41.1) while the Clippers rank sixth (41.7).
Oklahoma City ranks 24th in assists per game (21.1) while Los Angeles ranks 25th (20.9).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Oklahoma City is 3-2 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
Los Angeles is 4-0-1 ATS with 4 overs and 1 under over their last five games.
The Thunder’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.8, up from 3.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Clippers have scored an average of 114.8 points per game (9.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 103.8 points per game (1.9 below their season average).
