The Los Angeles Clippers head to Oklahoma City for a matchup with the Thunder on Monday night. Both teams are aiming to solidify their standings in the Western Conference, with the Clippers looking to extend a four-game winning streak and the Thunder adjusting to life without key players.
The Thunder (8-2) are second in the Western Conference, while the Clippers (6-4) hold the seventh spot, making this game critical for both teams to stay competitive.
Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers have found a rhythm recently, winning four straight games despite missing key players, including Kawhi Leonard, who remains sidelined due to a knee injury. Leonard’s absence has been significant, but the team has stepped up with strong performances from other starters. Center Ivica Zubac has been pivotal, averaging 14.8 points and 12.3 rebounds over the past four games.
The Clippers’ defense has also been solid, ranking among the top five in the league in points allowed per possession. Guard James Harden, acquired in a recent trade, has been effective, showing his scoring ability and playmaking skills in the last few games. Despite missing Leonard, the Clippers have proven they can compete with top-tier teams, using a balanced approach on both ends of the floor.
Oklahoma City Thunder
The Thunder are adapting to some major lineup adjustments, most notably missing Chet Holmgren, who is out for several weeks after suffering a pelvic injury. Holmgren’s absence is a blow, especially as he was leading the team in rebounds and blocks. Without him, the Thunder’s defense, which ranks best in the league for points allowed per 100 possessions, will be challenged.
Oklahoma City is already thin in the frontcourt, with injuries also sidelining Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams. Despite these setbacks, the Thunder remain resilient, with players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stepping up to keep the team competitive. Jalen Williams has also shown he can handle increased responsibility, highlighting the Thunder’s depth and adaptability.
Game Prediction
Both teams bring solid defenses into this matchup, but the Thunder’s home-court advantage and recent resilience could give them an edge. However, the Clippers’ four-game winning streak suggests they’re in a good rhythm and could pose a strong challenge.
Look for the game to be close, with both teams relying on their star guards to make big plays down the stretch. The game’s outcome might come down to rebounding and bench contributions, as both teams look to overcome key absences.
Prediction: Thunder win 109-105
The game tips off at 8:00 PM ET at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, promising a competitive matchup as both teams fight to climb the Western Conference standings.
