Preview 71 of 82: Clippers @ Thunder
Time: 7:00 PM CT
TV: FSOK / NBA TV
Radio: WWLS (98.1 FM OKC/97.1 FM Tulsa)
Game Notes: Thunder / Clippers
The Oklahoma City Thunder (41-29) is back in action tonight at Chesapeake Energy Arena, facing the Los Angeles Clippers (37-30) in the first leg of a grueling 12-game stretch to wrap up regular season play. The Thunder has won both of its previous match-ups with the Clippers this season.
The Clippers have gone 7-3 over their last 10 games, yet find themselves ninth in the Western Conference and a game back of the San Antonio Spurs for the eight-seed. The Thunder can tighten its grip on fourth place with a win but may be without Steven Adams and Paul George. Both men are considered questionable for the contest and will have their statuses updated closer to game time.
Tip-off is at 7:00 PM CT and will be televised on Fox Sports Oklahoma and NBA TV. The Thunder is a 5.5-point favorite according to Odds Shark.
Update: Steven Adams and Paul George are both active.
Injury Report
Thunder
- Steven Adams: Active — Hip
- Paul George: Active — Pelvic Strain
- Andre Roberson: Out – Knee
Clippers
- Patrick Beverley: Out — Knee
- Avery Bradley: Out — Abdominal
- Danilo Gallinari: Out — Hand
Probable Starters
- TBA
Clippers: Austin Rivers, Lou Williams, Sindarius Thornwell, Tobias Harris, DeAndre Jordan
Statistics
Synergy Sports
Thunder O & D
Clippers O & D
Previous Results
Nov. 10: OKC 120, LAC 111 [BOX SCORE]
Jan. 4: OKC 127, LAC 111 [BOX SCORE]
Notes
Health. It should go without saying but the Thunder will have a difficult time if Paul George and/or Steven Adams misses the game. Adams will be necessary in a match-up with big man DeAndre Jordan. George has lit up the Clippers for 36.5 PPG in the first two games against the Clippers this season.
Stopping Lou Will. Corey Brewer & Co. will be busy tonight against Lou Williams. The 31-year-old is averaging 23 PPG for the Clippers and, along with DeAndre Jordan, is the heart and soul of everything LA wants to do. More Josh Huestis and less Terrance Ferguson makes a great deal of sense but we will see how Billy Donovan plays that.
Rolling Melo. After scoring just two points against the Spurs last Saturday, Carmelo Anthony averaged 21 PPG on 11-of-18 shooting from long range in wins over Sacramento and Atlanta. It’s difficult to predict which Melo will show up on a nightly basis, but the Thunder benefits when he’s rolling. He will look to keep it going offensively in a game the Thunder needs to win. He will move into 19th on the NBA’s all-time scoring list if he can contribute 15 points.
Jerami Grant Rising. Grant has averaged 11.8 PPG over the Thunder’s current four-game winning streak, including a 20-point effort in the win over Atlanta. He’s becoming an extremely integral part of the OKC attack — especially when the team is dealing with injuries. Expect to see plenty of Grant against the Clippers, regardless of whether Adams and/or George suits up.
