The LA Clippers will face the OKC Thunder on Thursday at Paycom center. This will be the third and final meeting between the two teams in this regular season. The series is tied at 1-1 and both teams will try their best to win in their next match. The winner of the head-to-head contest could gain a significant advantage in their competition for a playoff position.
It was a roller coaster ride over the All-Star weekend last week in LA. After going 9-1, they went 2-2 in their last four games. This short break should be great for them to recharge and clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. A win for the Clippers would allow them to catch up with the Thunder for second place in their conference.
Preview
The Clippers have steadily risen in the Western Conference standings since acquiring James Harden from the Philadelphia 76ers in mid-December. With him in the lineup, the team has become an offensive juggernaut. The Clippers struggled a bit leading into the All-Star break, but should be eager to return to their dominant form starting with the contest against the OKC Thunder. Oklahoma is one of the few teams that have been as good as the Clippers since Harden arrived. They will be hoping to win the season series and gain a significant lead over LA for a playoff position.
Starting lineup
The LA Clippers are expected to start with Terance Mann, Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, Ivica Zubac and James Harden. Meanwhile, the OKC Thunder will start with Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and Lu Dort.
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Prediction
Home-court advantage could be all that separates the LA Clippers from the OKC Thunder on Thursday. Oklahoma can win the season series and take the lead over LA against the +2.0 spread.
