USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 25, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) guards in the third quarter at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers take on the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight in a Western Conference showdown. For the Clippers, they have been on an excellent run in their past few games. They are currently on a five-game winning streak since their defeat to Steph Curry and the Warriors. Paul George has been in spectacular form and playing at an MVP level.
OKC, on the other hand, have had a poor run their past few games. They only won one game of their last four and have been in a major rebuilding process. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been one of the bright spots for the team so far, as the team has sustained a moderate record of 6-7.
With that in mind, take a look at the Clippers fixture with the Thunder
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LA Clippers – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 5, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) moves the ball against San Antonio Spurs forward LaMarcus Aldridge (12) guard Lonnie Walker IV (1) and forward Rudy Gay (22) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The LA Clippers are at full strength. The only player injured is Jay Scrub, who serves as a role player. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George are at full fitness and expected to play against the Thunder. Other notable names in contention to play are Serge Ibaka, Nicolas Batum, and Patrick Beverley.
Predicted Lineup: Patrick Beverley, Paul George, Kawhi Leonard, Nicolas Batum, Serge Ibaka
OKC – Team News
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 8, 2021; New York, New York, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reacts after sinking a basket during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the New York Knicks, Friday, Jan. 8, 2021, in New York at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Seth Wenig/POOL PHOTOS-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without Al Horford, who is away for personal reasons. Additionally, Josh Hall and Ty Jerome will also be unavailable for the Thunder. Other than them, the Thunder have the rest of their players in contention to play against the LA Clippers.
Predicted Lineup: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, George Hill, Luguentz Dort, Isiah Roby
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LA Clippers vs Oklahoma City Thunder – Prediction
USA Today via Reuters
Dec 17, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Clippers guard Paul George (13) drives the ball past Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) around a pick set by LA Clippers center Ivica Zubac (40) during the second quarter at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The Clippers have been on an excellent run this season. They’ve only lost four games this year and are looking like one of the favorites this season. The Clippers have been putting on great performances throughout their run and can be expected to overcome a rebuilding OKC team.
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Prediction: The LA Clippers defeat the Thunder without any significant concerns.
Who will win between the Clippers and OKC? It appears as though the Clippers are the heavy favorites going into the game. But OKC have shown that they can cause an upset to any team, and the Clippers will have to be careful.
