Tip-Off: 9:30 PM CT
Location: Staples Center (Los Angeles, California)
Television: Fox Sports Oklahoma
Radio: WWLS 98.1FM OKC The Sports Animal
Twitter: Follow @TheThunderGuys for live-tweets during the game
The Oklahoma City Thunder (5-7) pulled off an incredible 127-119 victory in overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers (8-5) on Friday night at Chesapeake Energy Arena, and it just goes to show that this Thunder squad really can compete with anyone in the league.
That mentality will be tested tonight as OKC faces off against the Clippers in Los Angeles. Not only will this be a tough game for the Thunder because of the level of talent that the Clippers have, but it could be a challenge because of the ties that OKC has with a number of current players in a Clippers jersey and vice versa.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari were the key pieces in the summer trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles, and this will be their first game in Staples Center ever since.
Paul George made his return to the court last week in his first game with the Clippers since recovering from a couple of shoulder surgeries. As the player that essentially started the domino effect of trades in OKC over the summer, George isn’t exactly the most popular person in OKC anymore.
Let’s not forget that Chris Paul played for the Clippers not too long ago, so this is a return for him as well.
Alongside George, Patrick Patterson is also playing for the Clippers these days, so it’s safe to say that this game could serve as an awkward reunion of sorts.
The Clippers are a near double-digit favorite tonight, but the Thunder has performed well against the spread, covering 7 of their 12 games so far. If the Thunder can contain Paul George and not let any emotions get the best of them, they have a chance to pull off another upset.
Projected Starters
Thunder
- PG: Chris Paul
- SG: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- SF: Terrance Ferguson
- PF: Danilo Gallinari
- C: Steven Adams
Clippers
- PG: Terrance Mann
- SG: Rodney McGruder
- SF: Maurice Harkless
- PF: Paul George
- C: Ivica Zubac
Injuries
Thunder
- Hamidou Diallo (left knee sprain) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Andre Roberson (return to play management) is OUT.
Clippers
- Patrick Beverley (sore left calf) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Kawhi Leonard (left knee contusion) is QUESTIONABLE.
- Landry Shamet (high left ankle sprain) is OUT.
By the Numbers
- 51.4: Number of points per game scored by the Clippers bench (1st in NBA)
- 36.9: Number of points per game scored by the Thunder bench (13th in NBA)
- 19.8: Number of points off turnovers per game by the Clippers (5th in NBA)
- 16.8: Number of points off turnovers allowed per game by the Thunder (10th in NBA)
- 15.6: Number of second chance points per game by the Clippers (2nd in NBA)
- 12.0: Number of second chance points allowed per game by the Thunder (8th in NBA)
- 16.6: Number of fast break points per game by the Clippers (3rd in NBA)
- 10.7: Number of fast break points allowed per game by the Thunder (2nd in NBA)
- 23.8: Number of fouls per game by the Clippers (26th in NBA)
- 23.5: Number of fouls drawn per game by the Thunder (7th in NBA)
Head-to-Head
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder is 22-18 against the Clippers (13-7 at home, 9-11 on the road).
- Since arriving in Oklahoma City in 2008, the Thunder has won the season series against the Clippers 4 times, tied 4 times, and lost 3 times.
- The Thunder has won 4 of the last 6 matchups with the Clippers, but OKC has lost 3 of the last 4 against the Clippers in Los Angeles.
Game Notes
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